New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel made his first press conference appearance after missing Day 3 of the NFL draft. His absence was because he sought counselling amid the alleged extramarital affair scandal with NFL insider Dianna Russini.
Page Six had first released photos of them at a private resort together in Sedona last month. However, things escalated as days progressed, with more photos of them dating back to as early as 2020 made headlines. Amid the backlash, Russini ended up resigning from her position at The Athletic.
While speaking with the media on Wednesday, Mike Vrabel was asked about his work-life balance. The Patriots coach responded by expressing his love and affection for his family.
“I appreciate my family. It’s great,” Vrabel said. “I love (my wife) Jen, I love the boys. I love my personal friends.”
Vrabel then discussed the Patriots’ off-season training and expectations for the upcoming season.
However, fans on social media were not impressed with the Patriots coach’s comments about loving his family.
“‘Appreciate my family’ F*****g liar! Own up like a man, but a guy who cheats on another man’s wife is a scumbag, not a man,” one fan commented.
“Loves his wife so much he cheated on her for 6 years and then tried to lie his way out of the truth. A true family first kinda guy right there,” another fan said.
“I respect his commitment to the bit,” a fan wrote.
“Nothing says I love my wife and kids like a 6 year double life relationship with another woman,” another fan said.
“Vrabel praising his family while everyone remembers the long-term side chick. This man really said ‘work/life balance’ with a straight face,” one fan wrote.
Mike Vrabel had initially downplayed the situation by calling it “laughable.” However, after more photos started surfacing, he held a press conference where he revealed having a “difficult conversation” with his family and seeking counseling.
Nick Wright provided Mike Vrabel with some advice amid the Dianna Russini scandal
Earlier this month, analyst Nick Wright came forward with some voluntary advice for Mike Vrabel on how to deal with the ongoing situation.
On the “First Things First” show, he said that the Patriots coach had to address the scandal truthfully once in order to completely move on from it.
“I think the fact that up to and including four hours ago, if you’re really following this story, there’s more, either photos or news, just a slow drip,” Wright said. “Because it seems like this was a very long, ongoing relationship and one that doesn’t seem like either party felt they really needed to hide all that well for whatever reason that is.
“I think there’s just going to be more and more. So I think on Vrabel’s side of it, it is incumbent upon him, as uncomfortable as it may be, to actually one time address all of it. …”
Vrabel kicks off Year 2 with the Patriots with a Week 1 game against the Seattle Seahawks on the road. It will be played on Sept. 9 at Lumen Field at 8:20 p.m. ET.
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