Mike Vrabel to Skip Part of NFL Draft, Seek Counseling

Mike Vrabel will be away from the New England Patriots' draft room this weekend, and it has nothing to do with football strategy. The head coach said he's beginning counseling in the wake of widely circulated photos showing him holding hands with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini, which resulted in Russini's resignation from the Athletic. Vrabel will miss Saturday's third day of the NFL draft but will be present for the opening rounds starting Thursday night, reports NBC News. Vrabel issued a statement Wednesday night, first reported by ESPN:

• "I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend. This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them."

Vrabel previously brushed off the photos as "laughable," but on Tuesday acknowledged having "difficult conversations" with family, team officials, coaches, and players. The reigning NFL Coach of the Year led New England to a surprise Super Bowl title after three straight losing seasons. Despite the controversy and Russini's exit, there is no indication Vrabel's job is at risk.