New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed media ahead of the NFL Draft on Thursday night to 'take accountability' after photos were released of him with NFL reporter Dianna Russini.
Images were recently published of Vrabel and Russini, both of whom are married, holding hands at an Arizona resort, which the two initially downplayed.
Russini has since resigned from her role with The Athletic, while Vrabel said earlier this week he has held 'difficult conversations' with his family and the Patriots organisation.
Vrabel, who just led the Patriots to the Super Bowl in his first season as head coach, announced late on Wednesday that he will not be present for day three of the NFL Draft on Saturday as he steps away for counselling.
New photos of the pair together were released on Thursday, with Page Six publishing images of them at a New York bar in 2020 and TMZ following up with photos of them at a Mississippi casino in 2024. New York Post and TMZ.
"I want to address the news regarding my current situation. I understand there are questions, but I take accountability for my actions, and the actions that caused a distraction to the people I care most about," Vrabel said.
"My family, this football team, the organisation and our fans. My previous actions don't meet the standard that I hold myself to. They don't.
"I believe what is best for the two most important things in my life, my family and this football team, is for us to take the necessary steps to work together, and to give them what I told them I'd give them, which is the best version of me.
"That's what we're going to do. That has started and will continue this weekend. It will continue for however long it takes.
"My priorities are my family and this football team, in that order. My family needs me this weekend, and that's where I'll be.
The Patriots released a statement on Thursday underlining their backing of Vrabel, expressing their confidence in "the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process".
"The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel's decision to prioritise his family first, as well as his own wellbeing," read the Patriots statement.
"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 is taking to follow through on that commitment."
Quizzed on his decision to miss Saturday's Draft day, Vrabel insisted it was "necessary" when prioritising his family.
The NFL recently confirmed they are not investigating the matter, echoed by Commissioner Roger Goodell in an interview with ESPN on Thursday.
"This is not a personal conduct policy as we know of today," Goodell said Thursday. "It's a personal matter and we'll leave it at that.
"I think the teams handle these matters when they are personal matters. They have a lot more information that can benefit people involved."
Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls as a player with the Patriots, was appointed as head coach last offseason before leading New England to Super Bowl LX, where they were beaten by the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara in February.
Watch day two of the NFL Draft from midnight on Friday live on Your Site Main Event, Action and Mix; the Draft then concludes with day three from 5pm on Saturday live on Your Site Action.
