April 23 (UPI) — New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel will seek counseling and not be with the team during the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft, he announced.
Vrabel made the announcement in a statement released Wednesday. The news came two weeks after the New York Post published photos of the married Patriots coach as he was embracing and holding hands with reporter Dianna Russini, who is also married, at a resort in Sedona, Ariz.
Vrabel initially told the Post that it was “laughable” to suggest the photos showed anything other than a “completely innocent interaction.”
Russini also denied improper contact in her initial statement, stating that “reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.” A week later, she resigned from her job at The Athletic.
Vrabel addressed the matter publicly for the first time Monday in Foxborough, Mass. He told reporters that he had conversations with the team and his family, but will “keep those private.”
“As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them,” Vrabel said Wednesday in his statement. “In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend.
“This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.
“I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.”
Earlier Wednesday, The Post published additional photos of Vrabel and Russini at the Sedona resort.
The Patriots currently hold the No. 31 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held Thursday in Pittsburgh. Rounds two and three will be held Friday, with the final four rounds set for Saturday.
The Patriots held the first day of their off-season program on Monday in Foxborough. They will hold organized team activities May 27 and 29 and June 1 and 2, 4, 8 and 9 and 11.
Players will participate in mandatory minicamp from June 15 to 17.