Patriots' coach Mike Vrabel speaks out on controversy

 

Patriots’ coach Mike Vrabel speaks out on controversy

On Tuesday Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel made his first appearance since the photos of him and NFL reporter Dianna Russin surfaced. 

Vrabel said that he “had difficult conversations,” including his family, players, coaching staff and the owners. He stated that he talked to his players on Monday in a private session when they returned for the voluntary workout program. He stated that the meetings were productive and positive but they would remain private. 

“We believe that in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions, and that includes me, that starts with me,” said Vrabel. He thanked the media for being so patient and understanding during this time. 

The photos that led to the incident first appeared on Page Six. They appeared to show Mike Vrabel and NFL reporter Dianna Russini alone at an adult-only Arizona resort before the annual coaches meeting that was being held in Sedona, Arizona on March 29, according to the New York Post. They appeared to show the duo holding hands, embracing each other and relaxing poolside. 

Vrabel made the unexpected media appearance when two players were only listed as expected to talk. Boston Globe reporter Ben Volin stated that on Monday, the team did not mention Vrabel would speak. 

Volin mentioned that he heard Vrabel was going to be available for a “side session,” following his statement. “Reporters were ordered to turn off all cameras, including phones, and were told to ask only football questions,” Volin continued. 

With the voluntary workouts having kicked off on Monday, the team’s plan was to have two players speak in front of the media. Vrabel cut that plan out so he could speak to media and address the controversy. 

“It was never my intention to have the players speak to you or address you before I did, so I asked (Patriots head of Media Relations Stacey James) to come today and talk with you,” Vrabel said to reporters. 

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy stated that the league doesn’t plan on reviewing Vrabel’s behavior as part of the league’s personal conduct policy, which states players, coaches and executives are required to avoid “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League.” 

This news comes after Russini stepped down as a reporter for The Athletic on April 14. Russini stepping down came about a week after the photos surfaced. 

“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published. When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressing confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. In the days that followed commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts," said Russini in a statement to Executive Editor Steven Ginsburg.