The New England Patriots have reaffirmed their support for head coach Mike Vrabel following a second report from the New York Post that has cast a spotlight on the reigning coach of the year's interactions with a former reporter from The Athletic.
Background of the Reports
Vrabel has faced increased scrutiny in recent weeks after the Post published photographs showing him alongside Dianna Russini at a resort in Arizona earlier this year. On Thursday, just hours before the commencement of the NFL Draft, the outlet released another story featuring images of Vrabel and Russini at a bar in New York City in March 2020. The publication described the pair as sitting closely together and, at one point, appearing to share a kiss.
Patriots' Statement
When approached for comment on the latest developments, the Patriots issued a statement expressing their full support for Vrabel's decision to seek counselling, a move first reported by ESPN on Wednesday.
"The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel's decision to prioritise his family first, as well as his own well-being," the statement read. "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."
The statement continued: "We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process. While he will not be present at the facility on Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete and Eliot Wolf and his personnel staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned this weekend."
Details of the Photos
On April 7, the Post shared photos that appeared to show Russini and Vrabel holding hands, embracing, and spending time together in a pool at a boutique resort in Sedona, Arizona. According to the publication, the images were captured on March 28, and it was noted that both individuals are married.
Russini resigned from The Athletic last week, a week after the prominent NFL reporter was sidelined amid an internal investigation into her relationship with Vrabel.
Russini's Resignation
In her resignation letter from The Athletic, Russini criticised "commentators in various media" for engaging in "self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts." She added, "I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept," while asserting that her journalistic record "speaks for itself."
Vrabel's Response
Vrabel told the Post that the photos depicted "a completely innocent interaction" and described "any suggestion otherwise as laughable." However, he acknowledged this week that he has had "difficult conversations with people I care about" following the release of the images. He informed ESPN that he would be seeking counselling starting this weekend, which will cause him to miss the third day of the NFL Draft.
In the wake of the report, The Athletic launched an investigation into the matter, including a review of Russini's past coverage, and temporarily removed her from reporting duties, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Russini was employed by ESPN at the time of the March 2020 photos in New York, and the network declined to comment when contacted by CNN Sports.
CNN has reached out to Russini's agent for comment on the latest photos.
Vrabel stated: "As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organisation and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counselling, starting this weekend."
He added: "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 counselling 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."
