Mike Vrabel finally broke his silence on the Dianna Russini situation, but the New England Patriots head coach didn’t field any questions from reporters about the scandal that has swept through the NFL and captivated social media for weeks. In fact, he denied nothing, further throwing her under the bus.
RELATED: ‘He Threw It All Away For a Mousey Looking 4.57′: Fans Roast Mike Vrabel While The Athletic Goes Into Damage Control Mode Over Dianna Russini Scandal
Mike Vrabel Makes Statement On Dianna Russini Situation
The closest he got to admitting his alleged infidelity is when he said:
“I’ve had some difficult conversations with people I care about. With my family, the organization, the coaches, the players.”
Vrabel addressed the media:
“Thank you for your patience that you’ve shown in a personal and private matter for me and everyone involved. I know that’s not easy for you and I appreciate your efforts in doing so. I understand I could have addressed you guys sooner. But it was important for me to have a conversation with the players, which I did yesterday very candidly as we began our offseason program, which everyone is excited to be a part of.”
Vrabel also mentioned that he didn’t want the media to be able to speak to the team before he could address his players and then the media. In addition, he is keeping any conversations he had with the team concerning the issue private.
“I also don’t want to take away from the weekend of the (NFL) draft,” Vrabel continued. “That’s an important time for us, our organization and the excitement and joy the players that we bring on our football team will have. They’re starting an amazing journey that should be celebrated as we welcome them onto our team.”
Mike Vrabel Never Mentioned Russini’s Name Or Admits Infidelity
Vrabel eventually tip-toed to the moment of truth, which many fans feel he turned into a self-righteous lecture for his team.
“With that being said … I’ve had some difficult conversations with people I care about. With my family, the organization, the coaches, the players. These have been positive and productive, and we believe to be successful. … On and off the field you have to make good decisions, and that starts with me,” Vrabel said. “We never want our actions to negatively affect the team or be the cause of distraction.”
Vrabel wrapped by promising that all of the important people in his life will get the best version of him going forward.
Vrbabel never mentions Russini’s name or addresses any of the photos or details of the scandal. The team and New England Patriots community clearly has his back and wants to move on into the season with a goal of reaching another Super Bowl and this time closing the deal.
Fans Aren’t Buying Mike Vrabel’s Coy Statement Of Accountability In Dianna Russini Scandal
Fans immediately reacted to what sounded like a husband who was engaged in infidelity and has been concerned with working through his family issues and remaining mostly silent as Russini bore the brunt of the social media backlash.
“Scott free. He got game,” one fan said of Vrabel’s handling of the statement, and the way he confirmed an improper relationship of some sort, without ever saying her name.
“Statement. No questions. Still pretty cowardly. Forget the personal side of this – Mike, did you use your relationship with Russini to tamper with players on other teams? To manipulate narratives? You’re going to have to answer or dodge that question sooner or later,” one fan said on X.
“Sorry. He is a dirt bag. And he threw his own player under the bus talking about “good decisions”. Screw this guy. Get him out of football,” another fan quipped.
“Dude held a press conference to confirm he smashed. Respect,” said one supportive user.
“Just like Tom Brady and the owner Robert”clipboard”Kraft who likes the optional clipboard massage when he gets his work done, Vrabel is another cheater in the long line of cheating from the New England Pats,” a netizen said, reminding us of past Patriots “cheating” scandals.
“He’s so full of sh-t. This is no longer a private and personal matter…What a loser,” one fan stated.
“No Q&A were afforded the reporters? Kinda for him to say they’ll keep thoughts and convos about his organizational misgivings to themselves, but bro was quick to jump down Henderson’s throat over his religious liberties,” said another fan in what seems a mischaracterization of Vrabel’s comments a few weeks ago about Pats running back TreVeyon Henderson’s social media post in support of former Chicago Bulls player Jaden Ivey’s anti-gay statements.
“So basically he’s a p*ssy and won’t man up and say, ‘yeah I cheated on my wife with that d** b*** and used her for insider info and tampering purposes,” another user bluntly stated.
Did New England Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Get Off Easy?
Many people think Vrabel got off easy. He didn’t even field any direct questions about the scandal that cost Russini her career and confirm his culpability in it as it relates to influencing stories and or manipulating public opinion about a player for organizational gain. The rabbit hole could go too deep, and that’s why the NFL, Patriots and Vrabel will quickly move on from this. And as Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, lights up with a Super Bowl championship contending team each week, this offseason scandal will fall to whispers as new football-related content sweeps across our timelines.
