Story perspectives

Patriots Coach Vrabel Skips Draft; Russini Resigns Over Affair

4/26/2026

Summary

Vrabel Skips Draft

On April 24 2026, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel announced he will miss Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft for counseling and family.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said on April 25 2026 the affair does not breach league’s personal-conduct policy and will not be investigated.
Dianna Russini resigned after photos emerged of her holding hands with Vrabel at a resort and kissing him at a New York City bar, with images dating to 2020.

Summary

Fan Photographs

A sports-law analyst said a fan, not a hired investigator, took the photos, raising potential Arizona privacy violations.
Arizona law treats surreptitious photography of guests with a reasonable expectation of privacy as a crime, especially in hot tubs.
The NFL said it is not conducting a personal-conduct investigation, noting the images may be illegal.
The photographer could face civil suits from Vrabel and Russini for intrusion upon seclusion and harassment.

Summary

Patriots Back Vrabel

The Patriots issued a public statement backing coach Vrabel’s decision and omitted reference to the released photos.
Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said the organization is “not too worried” about Vrabel’s absence because of the established process and staff.
The team kept constant telephone and text communication with Vrabel during Day 3 of the draft as assistant coaches and scouts prepared the war room for the final day.

History

Historical Context

The NFL’s 2007 Spygate scandal saw the Patriots fined $500,000, coach Bill Belichick fined $500,000 and the team stripped of its 2008 first-round draft pick by Commissioner Roger Goodell. That precedent of limited league discipline resurfaced in 2026 when Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel faced a personal-conduct probe, highlighting ongoing tension between league oversight and team autonomy.

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Vrabel Skips Draft

On April 24 2026, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel announced he will miss Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft for counseling and family.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said on April 25 2026 the affair does not breach league’s personal-conduct policy and will not be investigated.
Dianna Russini resigned after photos emerged of her holding hands with Vrabel at a resort and kissing him at a New York City bar, with images dating to 2020.

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