The New York Post published photos that it said showed Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini kissing at a New York City bar six years ago, as well as hugging and hanging out poolside at an adults-only resort in Arizona earlier this month. Both Vrabel and Russini have denied allegations of an affair, according to statements from each. The New York Post also released other pictures ostensibly showing the pair enjoying breakfast together, and exclusive photos purportedly showed them at the now-closed Tribeca Tavern in New York in 2020.
Vrabel issued a groveling apology to his family just before the NFL Draft started on Thursday night, according to Daily Mail - Sport. He told reporters he had 'difficult conversations with people I care about' in the wake of the scandal. Vrabel has committed to seeking counseling starting this weekend, he said. He will not be present at Day 3 of the NFL Draft, citing family needs.
I understand that there are questions, but I take accountability for my actions and the actions that caused a distraction to the people that I care most about, my family, this football team, the organization and our fans. My previous actions don't meet the standard that I hold myself to. They don't. What I believe is best for the two most important things in my life, my family and this football team, is for us to take the necessary steps to work together and to give them what I told them I'd give them, which the best version of me, and that's what we're going to do. That's going to start, that has started, and that'll continue this weekend and it'll continue for however long it takes for me to give them and to complete that promise of giving them the best version of me possible. My priorities are my family and this football team - and in that order - and there's a balance there that I am going to create. My family needs me this weekend and that's where I'll be.
Vrabel will be required to speak to the media on Thursday night if the Patriots make a pick, according to Daily Mail - Sport. The Patriots have the 31st pick of the Draft. Patriots executives Eliot Wolf and Ryan Cowden are set to face the media on Friday and Saturday, per Mark Daniels of MassLive. If the Patriots trade out of the first round, Vrabel will not be on media duty until May 27, according to Daniels. Eight of New England's picks are set to come on Saturday throughout the fourth to seventh rounds, per Daily Mail - Sport.
Dianna Russini seemingly shut down her X account around the time of Vrabel's statement, according to Daily Mail - Sport. Vrabel and Russini claimed they were at the Arizona resort with a larger group, according to statements from each. Sources close to Vrabel and Russini insisted to Page Six they were joined by a group of friends in Arizona. The exact nature of the relationship between Vrabel and Russini remains unclear, and it is unknown whether the Patriots will trade out of the first round to avoid Vrabel's media appearance. The status of Vrabel's marriage and family relationships is also not publicly known, and no disciplinary action from the NFL or the Patriots organization has been announced.
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.