The New England Patriots have supported Mike Vrabel throughout the Dianna Russini scandal, even when the drama led him to miss Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft to focus on counseling alongside his family.
“The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being,” the team said in a statement. “Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team, and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment.
“We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process. While he will not be present at the facility on Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete and Eliot Wolf and his personnel staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned.”
Rob Parker Scolds Patriots Owner Robert Kraft for Supporting Mike Vrabel Amid Dianna Russini Scandal
Fox Sports Radio host Rob Parker has never been afraid to voice his opinions, and he took issue with the fact that Vrabel’s job is reportedly safe amid this scandal. Vrabel isn’t facing any punishment from the Patriots or the NFL, as the league announced it is treating this as a personal matter that doesn’t warrant an investigation. Meanwhile, Russini resigned from The Athletic while under investigation.
Parker blasted Patriots owner Robert Kraft, saying he’s not surprised by his stance on the Vrabel-Russini scandal while still taking issue with it.
“No shocker that Mike Vrabel isn’t going nowhere for the Patriots. This is what this organization is steeped in. Cheating. Deceitfulness. Lowbrow, conniving [behavior]. There’s always something with this franchise,” Parker said. “The reason Robert Kraft isn’t in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, despite winning six championships as an owner, is exactly what we’re experiencing now with Mike Vrabel. It really is.
“It speaks to the volume of where this franchise is and what they value, which is not honesty. And that’s why it hasn’t been rewarded. He won six championships as an owner! He’s been trying to get into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for over a decade. And they keep rejecting him.
“What would be the reason why? It can’t be because of football. It’s because of the dirty dealing, backstabbing, cheating, unfaithful stuff that’s gone on. Of course he’s going to back his coach! … It is the Patriot Way! That’s why, Robert Kraft, I hope you never get in.”
Several Patriots players have also spoken out in support of Vrabel in the aftermath of the Russini scandal, including Drake Maye, Christian Gonzalez, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Robert Spillane.
The scandal has transcended sports and become mainstream news, and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down since new details continue to surface.
The Patriots are hoping that the scandal will fizzle out, but there’s a good chance that it continues to dominate headlines and becomes a major distraction throughout the offseason and into next season. Recently, Maye said that he doesn’t think it will distract the team.
“No, I don’t,” Maye told the Associated Press. “I mean, he’s our head coach. I think he’s done a great job of talking to us and talking us through it. I’m just looking forward to getting back to work and getting ready…
“I know he’s got the right mindset, and I know he’s a great human being. I think he’s … like I said, I love playing for him.”
Think Rob Parker is also an anti-Trumper?