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Patriots Coach Vrabel Skips Draft Day 3 for Counseling

4/28/2026

Summary

Vrabel Seeks Counseling

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel skipped Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 25 to seek counseling after 2020 photos with Dianna Russini resurfaced.
He was photographed alone at Salt Lake City International Airport browsing Hip & Humble loungewear, bought a baby-blue women’s sweatsuit for his wife, showed his wedding ring, and later returned to the Patriots facility in New England.
The Patriots said they fully support his decision to prioritize family and well-being.

Summary

Goodell Rejects Policy

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told ESPN the Vrabel-Russini situation is not covered by the league’s personal-conduct policy.
WEEI hosts argued the Patriots likely knew of Vrabel’s relationship with Dianna Russini, citing a photo from a 2020 New York bar.
Sports-law analyst Michael McCann said Arizona law bans photographing guests in private areas, making the resort images potentially illegal.
Patriots executive Eliot Wolf confirmed Day 3 draft selections were made without Vrabel’s input.

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Vrabel Seeks Counseling

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel skipped Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 25 to seek counseling after 2020 photos with Dianna Russini resurfaced.
He was photographed alone at Salt Lake City International Airport browsing Hip & Humble loungewear, bought a baby-blue women’s sweatsuit for his wife, showed his wedding ring, and later returned to the Patriots facility in New England.
The Patriots said they fully support his decision to prioritize family and well-being.

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