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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel fielded questions about his recent decision to step away from the team amid a series of photo leaks that appear to show him engaging in romantic and personal moments with former New York Times/The Athletic reporter Dianna Russini.
Vrabel will miss several days of the NFL Draft, as he announced early Thursday. In the hours that followed that announcement, photos that appeared to show Vrabel and Russini kissing at a bar were published by The New York Post and were allegedly taken six years ago.
TMZ released photos later Thursday of Vrabel and Russini at a casino.
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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks at a news conference after an NFL wild card playoff game in Foxborough, Mass., on Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
“My past actions don’t meet the standard that I hold myself to,” Vrabel said of the current situation, later saying, “My priorities are my family and this football team in that order. And there’s a balance there that I want to strike.”
At the end of the press conference, Vrabel was asked to explain why he initially issued a statement calling photos of him and Russini at an Arizona resort “ridiculous” after they were published by The New York Post earlier in April.
“It’s a private and personal matter. I don’t think those comments… it was an attempt to protect your family,” Vrabel said.
That was the last question Vrabel answered before storming down from the podium and out of the room.
PATRIOTS COACH MIKE VRABEL SEEKS ‘RATS’ AFTER LEAKED INJURY REPORT: ‘WE’LL FIND IT OUT’
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel smiles as he poses with team owner Robert Kraft during an availability in Foxborough, Mass., on Jan. 13, 2025. (Charles Krupa/AP)
Vrabel will leave the team’s NFL Draft responsibilities in the hands of general manager Eliot Wolf
“I’m confident in the people we have. I’m confident in our preparation,” Vrabel said. in the hands
“When you put your family and your job first, that’s what it takes. And that’s what was needed. Got a lot of support from everyone involved. So that’s what I was able to do and want to do.
“When my family needs me, I will be there.”
When asked if he would miss more football activities in the coming weeks, Vrabel said, “I can’t answer that. I can only say what my family needs, that’s what I’m going to give.
“I have to do whatever it takes with my family. Then again, I’m confident that whatever they need, I’ll take care of.”
When asked if he felt he had to prove himself to the players who were there last year, he said: “I have to prioritize them, that’s what I have to do, I have to make my family and this football team my priority.”
The Patriots released a statement ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft Thursday night voicing support for Vrabel.
“The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to put his family first, as well as his own well-being,” statement from the Patriots said.
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Dianna Russini, left, and Mike Vrabel, right, are shown in a split composite photo with Russini holding an ESPN microphone and Vrabel on the Titans sideline wearing a headset. (Images)
“Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment.
“We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process. Although he will not be at the facility on Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete and Eliot Wolf and his staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned this weekend.”
Meanwhile, Russini resigned from his position at The New York Times last week.
