New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel refused to discuss a reported $250,000 fine for his conduct toward officials in his media availability on Monday. The coach insisted the matter was supposed to remain confidential and noted that questions should be directed to the league.
Vrabel, along with Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni and New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn, was fined the same amount by the NFL for sideline behavior toward referees. The penalties were placed in abeyance, meaning they could be rescinded with improved conduct.
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“I don’t have any comments,” Vrabel said after a question regarding the fine was thrown to him by a reporter. “Those things are supposed to be held in strict confidence. Confidentiality, so I’m not gonna comment.”
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When the reporter tried to throw a follow-up, Mike Vrabel cut in to evade the question.
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“Again, I’m not gonna comment,” Vrabel said. “I can’t, not supposed to.”
Vrabel was subsequently asked if he was under the impression that the fine could be rescinded by the league for good behavior. The coach stood on his stance of not entertaining questions about it.
“I can’t comment,” Vrabel said. “I think it’s best just to talk to the lead. They seem to have plenty to say already about it.”
Mike Vrabel’s deflection landed poorly with many observers. The evasive response to the questions quickly revived references to his past high-profile controversy involving former NFL insider Dianna Russini. Social media used the opportunity to mock the coach, citing the same antics at the height of the scandal.
Here’s a look at some of the reactions online:
“Is he sure Dianna Russini didn’t report it?” a fan wrote.
“Yeah, a lot of things about Vrabel were supposed to be private but ended up not being. Seems to be a pattern,” another fan wrote.
“Not the worst thing that he’s had leaked,” another fan wrote.
“This is rich coming from him,” a fan commented.
“He has a real hard time keeping things private, doesn’t he?” another fan commented.
“I’m sure it’s not the only thing Vrabel hoped would remain private,” another fan commented.
Mike Vrabel comments about officiating in the NFL
While he refused to engage with reporters on the fine handed to him by the NFL, Mike Vrabel commented about officiating in the league. The coach described how difficult and demanding the job could be for the officials.
“I would say this about the officiating, and I’ve said this numerous times: the second hardest thing to do on Sundays is officiate,” Vrabel said. “And they do a great job, and it’s not easy. And we have to understand, you know, they’re part of the game.
“I think that they do, like everybody else, the best that they possibly can. There’s going to be bad calls by coaches. There’s going to be bad plays by players. And then once in a while, an official is going to miss one. So, again, how we respond to those things is critical.”
Mike Vrabel’s fine itself stemmed from visible frustration with officials, including an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty earlier in the season for language directed at a referee. He will be looking to improve on the way he carries himself on the sideline when officiating decisions don’t go in favor of the Patriots.
Edited by Farouk Yusuf
