Patriots coach Mike Vrabel to begin counseling during NFL Draft

Vrabel said he plans to start counseling this weekend following recent allegations involving sports reporter Dianna Russini. Both have denied claims of an affair.

Patriots release statement supporting Vrabel

In a statement, the Patriots said they “fully support” Vrabel’s decision to focus on his family and personal well-being.

The team added that they remain confident in their preparation for the draft, noting that personnel chief Eliot Wolf and staff are ready to proceed as planned despite Vrabel’s absence from the facility on Saturday.

Vrabel says counseling is about being a better leader

Vrabel addressed the situation earlier this week, saying he has had difficult conversations with his family and is committed to improving himself.

He said seeking counseling is part of his effort to be “the best version” of himself as a husband, father, and coach.

He is expected to spend the weekend away from Massachusetts with his family.

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Allegations and fallout

Photos that surfaced earlier this month showed Vrabel and Russini together at a resort in Arizona, which led to speculation about their relationship. Both have said they were part of a larger group and denied any wrongdoing.

Additional reports later claimed the two were seen together in New York years earlier, though those claims remain unverified.

Russini has since stepped down from her role at The Athletic following the controversy.

What this means for the Patriots

Despite the headlines, the Patriots have taken no disciplinary action against Vrabel, and the NFL has not announced any penalties.

With draft preparations already complete, the team is moving forward without disruption while their head coach focuses on personal matters.