Roger Goodell Was Asked If He'll Discipline Mike Vrabel

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 23, 2026 7:32 PM ET

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is well aware of the drama surrounding New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.

Earlier this month, Page Six published photos of Vrabel holding hands with former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini at a resort in Arizona. That report shocked countless NFL fans, especially since Vrabel has been married to his wife Jen since 1999.

Vrabel briefly spoke to reporters about this situation on Tuesday. He later revealed that he'll miss Day 3 of the NFL Draft to undergo 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. 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 said. "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."

Just when you thought this situation couldn't get any crazier, Page Six shared photos from March 11, 2020 that show Russini and Vrabel getting awfully close at a bar in New York City.

“As seen in exclusive new pics obtained by Page Six, the New England Patriots coach and the NFL reporter were spotted together inside the dimly lit Tribeca Tavern in the early hours of March 11, 2020,” Page Six reported. “They sat close to each other while conversing at the bar, at one point appearing to share a kiss.”

Prior to the start of the NFL Draft, ESPN's Mike Greenberg asked Goodell about Vrabel's situation and whether it violates the league's personal conduct policy. His answer was pretty straightforward.

"This is not a personal conduct policy, as we know today," Goodell said. "It's a personal matter, and we'll leave it at that."