Full Breakdown
Coach Mike Vrabel Steps Away from Draft Amid Photo Scandal
4/28/2026, 11:01:53 AM
Draft Absence and Return
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel missed Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft (April 25) to begin counseling and be with his family. He returned to the Gillette Stadium office on Monday, April 27, after the draft concluded.
Background & Context
Photos of Vrabel with former *The Athletic* reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort were published by the *New York Post* on April 7. Earlier images from a 2020 New York bar were released by Page Six on April 24. Both individuals are married; Russini resigned from *The Athletic* on April 14.
Timeline
- Mar 28–Apr 7: Photos taken at Arizona resort released, sparking controversy.
- Apr 14: Russini resigns; Apr 21: Vrabel’s first press conference, acknowledges accountability.
- Apr 23–25: Vrabel announces counseling, skips Day 3; photographed in Utah buying a gift for his wife.
- Apr 27: Returns to Patriots facility.
Draft Outcomes
While Vrabel was away, the Patriots selected six players: Karon Prunty (CB), Dametrious Crownover (OT), Namdi Obiazor (LB), Behren Morton (QB), Jam Miller (RB) and Quintayvious Hutchins (DE).
Official Statements & Responses
Vrabel said he was taking responsibility for his actions and that counseling would help him become the best version of himself for his family and the team. The Patriots said they fully support his decision to prioritize his family and personal well-being.
Criticism & Opposition
NFL talent evaluators asked “What kind of counseling begins on the weekend?” WEEI host Adam Jones warned that “if the Patriots and the Krafts were blindsided, that is where Vrabel could get in some trouble.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
ESPN initially reported Vrabel was in “constant contact” with the team on Day 3, a claim later retracted. Patriots executive Eliot Wolf said the only communication was a brief “Hope everything’s going okay” text.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I take accountability for my actions and the actions that caused a distraction to the people that I care most about. My family, this football team, the organization and the fans,” — Mike Vrabel, head coach, Patriots
- “My priorities are my family and this football team – in that order.” — Mike Vrabel, press conference
- “We were not in contact with Mike today other than some ‘hope everything’s going okay’ kind of text early this morning.” — Eliot Wolf, executive VP of player personnel, Patriots
- “The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being,” — Patriots organization statement
Why It Matters
The episode tests Patriots’ leadership stability and shows how personal-conduct issues can become public distractions. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the matter falls outside the NFL’s personal-conduct policy, treating it as a team issue, which underscores the league’s limited jurisdiction.
What’s Next
Vrabel is scheduled to address the team at the first day of organized team activities on May 27. The Patriots will monitor any further developments in the counseling process and remain prepared for possible league inquiries.
