“I’ve had some tough conversations with people I care about, with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players,” said Vrabel, who earned his second NFL Coach of the Year award last season while leading the Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance.
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“Those have been positive and productive. We believe that to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me, that starts with me. We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. We never want to be a cause of distraction. These are comments and questions that I have answered for the team and with the team. We will keep them private and to ourselves.”
Vrabel began his statement by thanking the assembled media for their patience in what he described as a “personal and private matter” for both him and everyone involved.“I know that’s not easy for you, and I respect that and appreciate your efforts in doing it,” he said. “I understand I could have addressed you earlier, but it was important for me to have a conversation with the players, which I did yesterday, very candidly, as we began our offseason program, which everyone is excited to be a part of.”
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Vrabel made it clear that it was never his intention for Patriots players to meet with the media before him. That’s why he organized an interview with journalists on Tuesday, he explained.
“I also don’t want to take anything away from the draft, draft weekend. This is an important moment for us, our organization and the excitement and joy that those players that we’re bringing to our football team are going to have,” Vrabel said. “They are beginning an incredible journey, one that should be celebrated as we welcome them to our team.”
This story is being updated.