NFL Insider Thinks Mike Vrabel Might've Received Secret Punishment

Mike Vrabel will miss Day 3 of the NFL Draft on Saturday.

The New England Patriots head coach will be receiving counseling on Saturday, in the wake of his public scandal with NFL insider Dianna Russini. Vrabel, who is entering Year 2 with the Patriots, was photographed at an Arizona resort with the NFL insider, who later resigned from her job.

"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."

It's weird timing, to say the least.

Why go on a Saturday during the NFL Draft, especially if you're not missing Day 1 or Day 2? It couldn't wait until next week?

One NFL insider has a theory, though.

Could Vrabel have received a secret punishment?

NFL insider Mike Florio suggests that Vrabel could've been secretly suspended, or privately punished, with a nudge from the league.

"The timing of the counseling, and the impact on Vrabel's availability for a fairly important day on the offseason calendar, invites speculation that it's potentially a low-key suspension imposed by the Patriots, possibly with a nudge from the league office. A way to punish Vrabel without punishing him - or even acknowledging that there would be any reason to do so," he wrote.

There are certainly still a lot of questions that need to be answered.

Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 8:14 AM.