New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has publicly addressed the recent personal controversy surrounding head coach Mike Vrabel, expressing his continued faith in the coach.
"Well, we’re privileged to have Mike as our head coach," Kraft said at Fanatics Fest in New York. "You know, no one is infallible. And what’s great about Mike is he has great intellectual knowledge about football — all the technical skills. He relates to the players beautifully. And he’s someone I have a strong belief and faith in. And I hope he’s going to be our head coach for many years to come."
This marks Kraft's first public comments on Vrabel since reports surfaced in April of a scandal involving longtime NFL insider Diana Russini. Vrabel has been retained as the Patriots' head coach as training camp approaches.
Following the reports, Vrabel reportedly skipped the third day of the NFL draft in April to seek counseling. The controversy involved Vrabel and Russini being photographed in a situation described as "cozy" and appearing to kiss.
Russini, a former reporter for The Athletic and ESPN, has stated the situation has had a significant impact on her life. She was recently observed on a cruise with her husband, according to reports.
Despite the offseason distractions, the Patriots are expected to contend in the AFC. The team also made a significant acquisition in early June, trading for three-time Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a future first- and a fifth-round draft pick. The team reached the Super Bowl last year, their first appearance in the post-Tom Brady era.