The controversy erupted earlier this month when the New York Post published suggestive photos of Vrabel and NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an adults-only resort in Sedona, Arizona. Both Vrabel and Russini are married and have denied any wrongdoing, calling the photos misleading. The fallout has been significant for Russini, who was placed on leave and investigated by The Athletic's parent company, The New York Times, and resigned from her position last week. The exact nature of the relationship between Vrabel and Russini beyond what is shown in the photos remains unclear, as do the specific actions or behaviors that led to her resignation.
Vrabel addressed the situation publicly for the first time during a press conference on Tuesday. Before the event, he described the New York Post's story as 'laughable' in a brief statement, according to major media reports. During the conference, he stated, 'I have had some difficult conversations.' He elaborated in an official statement: 'As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization 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 counseling, starting this weekend. 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 counseling 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.'
The way Tuesday's press conference went down, with a last-minute sneak attack on the media and strict ground rules established by the Patriots, doesn't sit right.
The press conference itself drew criticism for its controlled nature. The Patriots media relations team did not inform reporters about Vrabel's press conference until moments before it began, according to major media reports. The Patriots restricted questioning at the press conference to football topics only, according to online reports, and Vrabel declined to answer questions about Russini losing her job. According to Boston Globe columnist Ben Volin, he criticized the Patriots' handling of the press conference, calling it a cynical media strategy. According to Ben Volin, the Patriots purposely chose a time and method for the press conference that would minimize the number of reporters asking questions.
In response to the scandal, Vrabel is seeking counseling and will not be with the team for Day 3 of the NFL Draft on Saturday, according to major media reports. The NFL said last weekend that it is not investigating Vrabel's behavior. Vrabel addressed players about the matter on Monday after they arrived for the start of the voluntary workout program. Whether the Patriots organization has taken any disciplinary action against Vrabel is unknown, and reactions from players and staff within the organization have not been publicly detailed.
The Patriots easily could have sent a heads up Monday night or Tuesday morning that Vrabel would be talking. Instead, they purposely chose a time and method that would minimize the number of reporters asking him questions.
Vrabel explained his motivations for speaking out, stating he wanted to address the media before two Patriots players scheduled to be available to reporters on Tuesday. He added that he didn't want interest in the photos to take attention away from the NFL draft. The details and timeline of the internal investigation conducted by The New York Times at The Athletic remain undisclosed.