Mike Vrabel says past actions fell short amid Dianna Russini photo leaks

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel answered questions about his decision to leave the team after a series of photos were leaked showing him having romantic and personal moments with former New York Times/The Athletic reporter Dianna Russini.

Vrabel will miss several days of the NFL Draft, he announced earlier Thursday. In the hours following this announcement, photos showing Vrabel and Russini kissing in a bar were published by The New York Post and were reportedly taken six years ago.

TMZ published photos of Vrabel and Russini at a casino later Thursday.

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“My previous actions do not live up to the standards that I have set,” Vrabel said of the current situation, later adding: “My priorities are my family and this football team, respectively. And there is a balance that I will create there.”

At the end of the press conference, Vrabel was asked to explain why he initially issued a statement after photos of himself and Russini at an Arizona resort were published in The New York Post in early April.

“This is a private and personal matter. I do not think these comments were an attempt to protect your family,” Vrabel said.

That was the last question Vrabel answered before leaping from the podium and leaving the room.

PATRIOTS COACH MIKE VRABEL LOOKS FOR ‘THE FUCKS’ AFTER LEAKED INJURY REPORT: ‘WE’RE GONNA SOLVE THIS’

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel smiles as he poses with team owner Robert Kraft on January 13, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Charles Krupa/AP)

Vrabel will leave team’s NFL Draft responsibilities to general manager Eliot Wolf

“I trust the people we have. I trust our preparation,” Vrabel said. in hands

“When you prioritize your family and your job first, that’s what’s required. That’s what’s required. I’ve had a lot of support from everyone involved. So I was able to do it and I did it willingly and I want to do it.”

“I’ll be there when my family needs me.”

When asked if he would miss any other football activities in the coming weeks, Vrabel said: “I can’t answer that. I can only say that whatever my family needs, I will provide it.” he said.

“I have to do what is necessary for my family. So once again, I am confident that I will provide whatever they need.”

When asked if he needs to prove himself again to the players who were there last year, he said: “I have to put them first, this is what I have to do, I have to make my family and this football team my priority.”

The Patriots released a statement Thursday night voicing their support for Vrabel ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

“The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first along with his own well-being.” The statement from the Patriots is as follows:.

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Dianna Russini (left) and Mike Vrabel (right) are shown in the split composite image, which shows Russini with an ESPN microphone and Vrabel wearing headphones on the Titans’ sideline. (Imagine Images)

“Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team, and our fans, and we respect the steps he has taken to fulfill that commitment.

“We are confident in Mike’s leadership and communication with our staff throughout this pre-draft process. While he will not be on site Saturday, we know that draft evaluations are complete and Eliot Wolf and his staff are ready to execute our draft as planned this weekend.”

Russini, meanwhile, resigned from his position at The New York Times last week.

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