Mike Vrabel's 'Counseling' Announcement Is Already Facing Scrutiny

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Apr 23, 2026 10:02 AM ET

Mike Vrabel will be seeking counseling amid the Dianna Russini scandal.

The New England Patriots head coach announced on Thursday, ahead of the NFL Draft, that he will be seeking counseling over the weekend. Vrabel, who led the Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance last season, was photographed at a resort in Arizona with Russini. While Vrabel and Russini initially claimed that there was nothing to the photos, their behavior in recent weeks would suggest otherwise.

Russini has resigned from her position at The Athletic and Vrabel has now publicly apologized for his behavior and admitted he's going to get counseling.

"As I said the other day, 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," Vrabel said Wednesday night. "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.

"I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result."

But Vrabel will not be missing Day 1 or Day 2 of the NFL Draft.

Instead, he'll just be missing Day 3, which features Round 4 through Round 7.

NFL fans are criticizing his counseling announcement, claiming it's performative

Counseling and therapy are important. It's good to talk about them.

However, why miss just Day 3 of the NFL Draft? Why not miss Day 1 or Day 2, too? Or, if the NFL Draft is that important, then why not just push it to next week?

It feels like a performative announcement.

"Does it seem strange that after weeks of this story, he's going to get counseling on Day 3 of the Draft? I have No opinion on whether Mike Vrabel needs counseling or not. It's the timing that is really strange. why not last week or or next week?" one fan wondered.

"Am I wrong that Vrabel missing the busiest day of roster acquisition for this is making THIS even worse???" one fan added.

"The timing of this is very concerning. Makes me think another shoe is about to drop," one fan added.

"So, he HAS to get counseling on day 3 of the draft….a Saturday?! ," one shared.

"Vrabel somehow needing to miss a day of the draft to attend counseling is complete nonsense. Why? What's wrong with the next day? And why is it being publicly announced at all? There's obviously a lot more going on behind the scenes & it ain't good," another added.

The first round of the NFL Draft is set to begin on Thursday night.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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