New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will be in attendance for the first two days of the draft but will depart for counseling on the third day as new explosive photos have emerged revealing the intimate nature of his relationship with former NFL reporter Diana Russini.
In a statement Wednesday, Vrabel announced he would seek counseling over the weekend while traveling out of state with his family. Meaning, Vrabel will not be available for the final round of the draft on Saturday.
“As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I would give them the best version of me that I possibly could,” Vrabel said in a statement obtained by ESPN. “To do that, I have committed to counseling this weekend. It’s something I’ve given a lot of thought to and it’s something I would advise any player to do if I was counseling them.
“I’ve always wanted to lead by example, and I believe that’s what I need to do to be the best husband, father, and coach I can be. It’s not an easy thing for me to admit, but I know it will make me a better person. I appreciate the support everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.”
News of Vrabel’s absence from the team comes amid another spate of intimate photos that appeared to show Russini and the Pats head coach kissing in a New York City bar in 2020.
“They were kissing and they were all over each other,” an eyewitness told Page Six. “He had a ring.”
According to the New York Post, at the time the photos were taken at the Tribeca Tavern in 2020, Vrabel was already married and Russini was six months away from marriage.
“They were having a great time,” an eyewitness to Vrabel and Russini’s conversation told Page Six. “He was [giving each other] A bunch of beaks, a bunch of beaks continuously. There was no one there. Nobody knew who they were. “I don’t even think bartenders would have done that.”
Vrabel and Rasini both have two children from their respective marriages.
Released photos from the couple’s recent trip to an exclusive Arizona resort show Russini and Vrabel in an intimate setting six years ago, showing the true depth of the couple’s relationship.
Russini resigned from his position as senior NFL reporter at The Atlantic after the outlet’s investigation revealed disturbing information about his relationship with the Patriots coach.
“Rather than allow this to continue, I have decided to step aside now – before my current contract expires on June 30,” Rusini wrote on Twitter.
Whether planned or not, Vrabel’s visit for counseling and spending time with family will prevent him from facing reporter’s questions over the recently released photos.
The NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 23 (Round 1): 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT.
