Mike Vrabel prioritises family after photos surface with reporter Dianna Russini

• Mike Vrabel apologised for the "distraction" caused to his family and football team.
• The Patriots coach will miss part of the NFL Draft to attend counselling.
• Dianna Russini resigned from her position following an investigation by her former employer.
  

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has issued a public apology, stating that he is "prioritising his family" following the escalation of a scandal involving NFL reporter Dianna Russini.

Speaking at a pre-NFL Draft press conference on Thursday, the 50-year-old coach took accountability for distractions caused by photos showing the pair in intimate settings.

This marks a significant shift from his initial response two weeks ago, when he dismissed hotel photos from Sedona, Arizona, as "laughable" and "completely innocent."

The situation intensified on Thursday after Page Six published additional images from March 2020, allegedly showing Vrabel and Russini kissing at a New York City bar.

During the press conference, Vrabel confirmed he is seeking professional counselling and will be absent from the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft this weekend.

"I take accountability for my actions and for the actions that caused distraction to the people that I care most about — my family, this football team, the organisation and the fans," Vrabel stated, adding that his past behaviour failed to meet his own standards.

Russini, 43, resigned from her position as senior NFL insider at The Athletic on 14 April amidst an internal investigation.

In her resignation letter, she criticised the "media frenzy" and "repeated leaks" surrounding the review process.

The Patriots organisation has released a statement supporting Vrabel's decision to seek help, emphasising their respect for his commitment to his family.

Vrabel has been married to his wife, Jen, since 1999, while Russini wed her husband, Kevin Goldschmidt, in late 2020.