Patriots Back Vrabel As He Steps Away Amid Photo Controversy
Vrabel will begin counseling and miss the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft as the Patriots support him after photos surfaced showing him with reporter Dianna Russini.
FOX NewsPatriots' Mike Vrabel speaks out after photos of him kissing NFL reporter Dianna Russini leak
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CNNPatriots back Mike Vrabel after New York Post publishes more photos of him with Dianna Russini | CNN
Overview
Mike Vrabel said Thursday he will begin counseling and will step away from the team for the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for Saturday, April 25.
The move follows publication of photos showing Vrabel with former reporter Dianna Russini at a Sedona resort ahead of the NFL meetings that began March 29.
The Patriots issued a statement Thursday expressing full support for Vrabel; Russini resigned on April 14, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is not investigating.
The Patriots entered the draft holding 11 picks, including the No. 31 first-round selection, with one pick each in rounds two and three on Friday and most selections scheduled for Saturday.
Eliot Wolf and the personnel staff will manage the draft in Vrabel's absence on Saturday, and Vrabel said he was unsure whether he would miss additional time while prioritizing family and counseling.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story sympathetically toward Vrabel by emphasizing his family-first statements, team backing, and coaching achievements while presenting the photo revelations and Russini’s resignation as external developments. Editorial choices—order of details, positive career context, and highlighted team statements—soften culpability, even though quoted material provides the direct claims.