The Headline With The Patriots Is Vrabel

By Steve Atkinson 

The NFL Draft is next week, but for the Patriots, that’s not the main story. The real focus is on Mike Vrabel and what he’ll say when he meets the media after the Patriots make their draft pick next Thursday. He’ll likely comment or make a statement about the Page Six story involving Dianna Russini. Russini resigned from The Athletic this week after they launched an investigation into the photos. We haven’t heard from either Russini’s or Vrabel’s friends to verify Vrabel and Russini’s statements to Page Six.

Did Vrabel Practice What He Preaches To His Team?

Vrabel preaches about distractions and family to his team, but he might have broken his own rule. The off-season program starts Monday, and he will need to address this with his team if he prefers not to talk about it publicly. Some players might see him differently if he ignores the Page Six story.

I find it interesting that the local media haven’t really addressed this. It’s all “nothing to see here,” and questions are about who the Patriots will draft. I understand these reporters have a relationship with Vrabel and might not want to rock the boat, but they have a responsibility. Last year, they brought up two players facing domestic charges, and questions were asked. So why not now? Does Russini have dirt on the reporters that if they speak out, she’ll expose their secrets? Possibly. Even on a national level, it hasn’t been widely discussed. Here is a quote from the only question asked of Eliot Wolf the other day on Vrabel.

“Very involved. Business as usual,” Wolf said. “I’d say he’s been in there with us this round, probably a little more than he was in there last year. “He’s been in there. He’s been contributing. He’s watched a ton of the players.”

The Patriots hold the 31st overall pick next week, but honestly, I care more about what Vrabel has to say than who they pick on Thursday night. He only needs to address it once, then it’s over. I don’t think he should lose his job, and in my opinion, Dianna shouldn’t have either. This has been going on since his Titans days, and they’re only now getting caught.

What happens with A.J. Brown will be interesting. Russini was all in on those rumors and the Patriots. So, if he does get traded, will the Athletic drop the news first, or will it be some other outlet? If Russini goes independent, could she leak it to one of her friends to report? Possibly.