Vrabel Steps Away for Draft Amid Scandal

0:00It's April 24th. NFL news today starts now, AI-powered and game ready. I'm Koi with the story. Less than an hour before day 3 of the 2026 NFL draft kicked off, New England Patriots head coach Mike Ravel hit the podium in. Foxboro to announce he's stepping away for the final day. This comes right in the middle of a viral scandal with former NFL reporter Diana Racini, who already resigned from the athletic over it. The 50-year-old coach says he's seeking counseling to handle the fallout. Earlier this week, more photos dropped, showing Ravel and Racini getting cosy, hands in hugging at a luxury spot in Sedona, Arizona, back in. Late March, plus even older shots from a New York City bar in March 2020. They both denied any romance at first, calling it innocent, but the images just kept coming from page 6. The Patriots put out a statement fully backing Ravel's call to prioritize his family and well-being, especially after his first season leading them.

1:00To a 14-and-three record, the AFC East title, a conference win, and a Super Bowl 60 appearance, he even snagged 2025 NFL coach of the year honors. In his presser, Ravel owned up, saying his past actions fell short of his own standards, and he's committed to delivering the best version of himself. For his family first and the team second, he shouted out exec Elliott Wolf and the staff were handling the draft, stressing they deserved the spotlight on those new players chasing their dreams. Whatever his family needs, that's where Ravel's focus stays this weekend, and it might stretch beyond the draft, he couldn't say for sure. But with the teams prepped locked in, they're pushing forward while he sorts this out.