Patriots Release Mike Vrabel Statement Before NFL Draft Amid Dianna Russini Scandal originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The start of the 2026 NFL Draft is just hours away, but the New England Patriots continue to have a major distraction on their hands.

The controversy surrounding head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL insider for The Athletic Dianna Russini continues to be a major topic throughout the sports world.

The scandal kicked up a notch on Thursday when Vrabel revealed he'll be seeking counseling and will be away from the team on Saturday, during Day 3 of the NFL Draft.

Hours later, pictures of Vrabel and Russini sitting closely together and at one point, appearing to kiss, at a bar on March 11, 2020, were released.

The team released a statement regarding the matter, which was shared on Bluesky by ESPN's Patriots reporter Mike Reiss.

The Patriots are slated to pick 31st in the first round of the draft on Thursday night.

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