Patriots’ Mike Vrabel was never expected at team’s pre-draft press conference

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New England Patriotshead coach Mike Vrabel was never scheduled to be at the team�

Vrabel’s absence coincided with the scrutiny he’s received after he appeared in photos published inPage Sixlast week showing him and NFL reporter Dianna Russini being questionably close together.

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaking to reporters at NFL annual meetings

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks to reporters at the NFL annual meetings in Phoenix on March 31, 2026.(Ross D.Franklin/AP)

However, the Patriots issued a notice to reporters in March that Vrabel wouldn’t be at the pre-draft press conference.ESPN reportedthat Vrabel isn’t expected to talk to reporters until the draft.Patriots executive Eliot Wolf will hold the pre-draft news conference at 2 p.m.ET on Monday.

The NFL is more than a week away from welcoming in the next crop of college football talent into the league.The Patriots have the No.31 pick in the first round, which begins on April 23.

“After Page Six reached out to Dianna for comment on Tuesday, The Athletic immediately began an investigation.While the apparent conduct in the photos raised questions for Steven and leadership at The Athletic, an initial review suggested the images provided lacked context, specifically the presence of a larger group of friends,” a source said.

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel standing at a podium during NFL meeting

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Ariz., on March 31, 2026.(Mark J.Rebilas/Imagn Images)

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“New details from the Page Six report and information from the investigation raised additional concerns that are now being further reviewed.The investigation is ongoing.”

The source added Russini’s coverage is being reviewed, which is expected to take time, and she will not be reporting forthe outletin the meantime.

The New York Times declined to comment.

The photos showed Vrabel and Russini holding hands and hugging on the roof of the Sedona resort.

Vrabel defended himselfin a statement to Page Six.