Mike Vrabel delivered a heartfelt apology to his family shortly before the NFL Draft began on Thursday night, addressing allegations of an affair with journalist Dianna Russini. At the same time, Russini appeared to deactivate her X account.
Vrabel’s Statement at Patriots Facility
Speaking from the New England Patriots’ facility about 30 minutes prior to the draft’s start, Vrabel expressed full accountability. “I take accountability for my actions and the actions that caused a distraction to people I care most about,” he stated. “My previous actions don’t meet the standard that I hold myself to. I need to take the necessary steps to work together and to give them the best version of myself. That has started, will continue this weekend and will continue for however long it takes.”
He emphasized his priorities: “My family and this football team—in that order—and there is a balance I’m going to create. My family needs me this weekend and that’s where I’ll be.”
Background of the Controversy
The scandal emerged earlier this month with photos capturing Vrabel and Russini at a luxury $2,500-a-night retreat in Sedona, Arizona, including images of them poolside and sharing breakfast. Additional pictures surfaced showing the former Tennessee Titans coach and Russini, then an ESPN reporter covering the team, at the now-closed Tribeca Tavern in New York on March 11, 2020.
Sources close to the pair maintain they were accompanied by friends during the Arizona trip, though multiple eyewitnesses describe the two as alone. Both Vrabel and Russini have denied any inappropriate conduct, calling the photos misleading.
Recent Developments and Denials
Earlier in the week, Vrabel discussed holding difficult conversations with his family, the organization, coaches, and players. On Wednesday, he announced plans for counseling and confirmed his absence from the team during Day 3 of the draft.
Russini faced an internal investigation by her employer, leading to a leave of absence before her resignation last week.
A witness to the 2020 bar encounter reported: “They were kissing and they were all over each other. He had a ring on. They were having a glorious time, giving each other pecks constantly. There was nobody in there. Nobody knew who they were.”
Personal Lives and Patriots’ Response
Vrabel has been married to his wife Jen since 1999; the couple has two children. Russini married Kevin Goldschmidt later that year.
The Patriots hold 11 draft picks, including one in the first round (No. 31), one each in the second and third rounds, and multiple later selections on Saturday, when Vrabel will be absent.
The team issued a statement: “The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being. 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. 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.”
