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Patriots Issue Statement on Mike Vrabel Leaving Team During NFL Draft

Patriots Issue Statement on Mike Vrabel Leaving Team During NFL Draft

Summary

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is taking time off during the third day of the 2026 NFL draft to focus on his personal well-being. This break follows a scandal involving his personal relationship with reporter Diann Russini, who recently resigned from her job while the team maintains confidence in the draft plans.

Key Facts

  • Mike Vrabel is stepping away from the Patriots during Day 3 of the 2026 NFL draft for counseling and personal reasons.
  • The situation is related to a scandal involving Vrabel and Diann Russini, a reporter who resigned from The Athletic amid the investigation of their relationship.
  • The Patriots released a statement supporting Vrabel’s decision to focus on family and health.
  • Patriots team officials, including Eliot Wolf, will manage the draft in Vrabel’s absence.
  • The Patriots have 11 picks in the 2026 NFL draft across three days.
  • The NFL has decided not to investigate Vrabel for inappropriate conduct related to the alleged relationship.
  • Russini left ESPN in 2023 before joining The Athletic as a senior NFL insider.
  • The team praised Vrabel for his leadership and commitment despite his current absence.
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