Mike Vrabel speaks after new Dianna Russini photos released: "My previous actions don't meet the standard that I hold myself to"
CBS News • • sports
Key Points:
- New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged that his recent actions have fallen short of his personal standards and apologized for causing a distraction to his family, team, and fans amid the publication of photos with reporter Dianna Russini.
- Vrabel, who is married to someone else, did not directly address the nature of his relationship with Russini but emphasized his commitment to prioritizing his family and the football team, stating he will seek counseling and focus on being the best version of himself.
- The Patriots expressed support for Vrabel's decision to seek counseling, and Vrabel will miss part of the NFL Draft weekend to be with his family, requesting respect for the players' experience during the draft.
- New photos surfaced showing Vrabel and Russini together multiple times since 2020, intensifying media scrutiny; Russini resigned from The Athletic on April 14 following the revelations.
- Vrabel refrained from further comments to the media out of respect for his family and to maintain focus on the team, signaling a desire to move forward from the controversy.
