Mike Vrabel has addressed the controversial photos of him and former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini taken at an Arizona resort last month. The New England Patriots coach issued a brief statement on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters at Gillette Stadium, Vrabel said, “I’ve had some difficult conversations with people that I care about, with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players. Those have been positive and productive.”
Vrabel’s Response to the Controversy
Vrabel emphasised the importance of making good decisions both on and off the field. “We believe that in order to be successful on and off the field you have to make good decisions. That includes me, that starts we me. We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. We never want to be the cause of a distraction.”
Vrabel did not mention Russini by name. He apologised for not addressing the situation sooner, explaining that he wanted to speak with the team first. The Patriots reported to Gillette Stadium on Monday for voluntary organized team activities.
“Those are comments and questions that I’ve answered for the team and with the team and we’ll keep those private and to ourselves. I care deeply about this football team and I’m excited to coach them,” Vrabel stated.
Focus on the Future
Vrabel stated his commitment to the team going forward. “I also know that I’m going to attack each day with humility and focus. And what I can promise you is that my family, this organization, the team, the staff, the coaches, everybody, our fans most importantly will get the best version of me going forward. And that’s what I know. I’m excited to do that, but I wanted to just address this and thank you for dealing with a private and personal matter.”
Vrabel spoke for just under three minutes and did not take any questions.
Background of the Photos
The New York Post published pictures of Vrabel and Russini together at the Ambiente hotel in Sedona, Arizona on Saturday, March 28. The photos showed the two holding hands, embracing and sitting in a pool and a hot tub. Both Vrabel and Russini are married to other people.
Vrabel and Russini each released statements to the newspaper downplaying the photos. In his statement at the time, Vrabel said, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
Russini resigned from the Athletic on April 14. “I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” Russini said in her resignation letter.
Reaction from the Patriots and the NFL
There has been no official comment from the Patriots. An NFL spokesman said that the league is not looking into the matter.
Some Patriots fans have acknowledged the situation wasn’t ideal. “It wasn’t a good look, but I believe in Vrabel and I wish him the best,” said Patty Varrell, a Patriots fan.
“He’s stupid to do that because you always get caught,” one fan told WBZ-TV’s Juli McDonald. “I don’t think he should resign over something like that. But you know, I think he ought to take some smar