Mike Vrabel Faces Backlash Over ‘Embarrassing’ Press Conference Amid Dianna Russini Controversy
Mike Vrabel Held a Press Conference About the Dianna Russini Photos — Fans Say He Said Absolutely Nothing
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is facing controversy after photographs surfaced showing him with NFL insider Dianna Russini.
The images, which reportedly date to March 2020, show Vrabel and Russini kissing at what sources say was a bar in New York City. Vrabel held a press conference to address the controversy, but his remarks drew criticism online for lacking specifics.
According to People, the head coach faced reporters before the NFL draft to respond to the circulating photographs. He publicly took the responsibility for the actions that created a “distraction” for the American football franchise. Though he did not address the specifics of the images showing him and Russini at an Arizona resort, he announced his intention to prioritize his family.
Mike Vrabel addresses the ongoing controversy over viral pictures.
He said, “I understand that there are questions. I take accountability for my actions, and the actions that caused a distraction to the people that I care most about — my family, this football team, the organization, and our fans. My previous actions don’t meet the standard that I hold myself to. They don’t.”
He also declared that he would be missing the third day of the draft to attend counseling. “My priorities are my family and this football, and in that order. There’s a balance there that I’m going to create. My family needs me this weekend and that’s where I’ll be,” he added.
Mike Vrabel and Diana Russini's controversial pictures
According to the Irish Star, Vrabel's press conference drew criticism from fans who felt his remarks lacked substance. Social media users expressed frustration in online comments as one user wrote, “Tough situation, but this feels like a pretty vague non-apology. Missing draft time for "counseling" after getting caught with a married reporter isn't exactly owning it. Patriots fans deserve better than a coached statement and a convenient excuse.”
Internet users slam Mike Vrabel over the press conference.
Another user wrote, “Mike Vrabel had a Press Conference and said absolutely nothing!!!!!!” while a third user added, “What an embarrassing presser from Vrabel.” Another commented, “What a strange and senseless press conference that was from Mike Vrabel just now. Why do that?”
One user weighed in, asking what the point of the press conference was, adding that Vrabel said "a whole bunch of nothing"
Internet users slam Mike Vrabel over the press conference.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots also released an official statement backing their under-fire coach amid the ongoing controversy. The Irish Star report quoted the statement, which read, “The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel's decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being.”
It also noted that Mike has been transparent about his effort to improve for his family, the team, and the fans, adding that they respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that promise.
New England Patriots release statement in Mike Vrabel's support.
Page Six first broke the story, publishing photos that showed Vrabel and Russini together. The outlet reported the pictures were taken at Tribeca Tavern in New York City, where the two were seen sitting close together and kissing.
The controversy erupted over the timing of the pictures, given that the coach was married to his wife, Jen, while the NFL insider had married Kevin Goldschmidt six months later. Vrabel has two children with his wife Jen, while Russini has two children with her husband Kevin Goldschmidt.