NFL says Mike Vrabel’s punishment is final in the Dianna Russini case
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has shared the league’s view on the recent controversy involving New England Patriots’ head coach Mike Vrabel and reporter Dianna Russini.
Just a few months after leading the Patriots to the Super Bowl, Coach Vrabel found himself in the spotlight when photos of him and NFL insider Russini together in a hotel surfaced online. The pictures showed them holding hands, hugging, and sitting together in a pool and hot tub. Both Vrabel and Russini are married to other people.
After the photos came out, Vrabel said the situation was completely innocent and didn’t deserve so much attention. Russini, who was the senior NFL insider for The Athletic, quit her job on April 14 but said the photos don’t show the whole story, mentioning that six other people were with them during the hotel visit.
Some people have asked the NFL to punish Vrabel, but Commissioner Goodell said that won’t happen because of the league’s personal conduct policy. “This is not a personal conduct issue as we know it today,” Goodell said before the NFL draft. “It’s a personal matter, and we’ll leave it at that. Teams handle these situations because they have more information to help everyone involved.”
Goodell’s remarks came shortly after the New York Post shared older photos of Vrabel and Russini from six years ago. An eyewitness claimed they were kissing and very close, even though Vrabel was wearing a wedding ring.
Questions arose about whether Vrabel would be at the NFL draft on Thursday night. Before the draft, Vrabel spoke to the media and said his first statement was meant to protect his family. He admitted he’s taking a step back, even though he hasn’t broken any league rules.
Vrabel said his actions are affecting his team and coaching, so he will miss the third day of the draft to spend time with his family and attend counseling. “I promised my family, this organization, and the team that I’d give them the best version of myself,” he said, according to ESPN. “To do that, I’m committing to counseling starting this weekend. I’ve thought a lot about this and would suggest it to any player. I want to lead by example and be the best husband, father, and coach I can be. This isn’t easy to admit, but I know it will make me better. I appreciate all the support and will come back stronger.”