Patriots Fans Criticized For Their Behavior With Mike Vrabel Wednesday

Mike Vrabel made his first public appearance with the New England Patriots since his scandal with Dianna Russini broke.

It went quite well, actually.

The second-year New England Patriots head coach was at a post-NFL Draft event with the fan base. Vrabel, who has apologized and received treatment after several photos leaked of intimate moments with the now-former NFL insider, received a standing ovation from Patriots fans.

Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports tweeted out the video.

"Mike Vrabel did a Q+A with Patriot season ticket holders last night. Word on the street is he got a standing ovation when he arrived. Patriots fans aren't into gossip and tabloid fodder. We are into winning super bowls and forgiveness. Model franchise," he wrote.

"When I report something it's fact. Told you Vrabel got a standing O last night. The Patriot Way!"

While Patriots fans might be backing their head coach, other fans around the league are criticizing New England for showing him support.

NFL fans criticize Patriots fans for supporting Vrabel

Vrabel probably shouldn't be fired for having an apparently inappropriate relationship with an NFL insider, but it doesn't mean he should be applauded, either.

"Patriot fans are also not into morality, accountability & values. That tracks. Just like Kraft," one fan wrote.

"Why are these idiot Patriots fans giving a standing ovation to Mike Vrabel, who allegedly cheated on his wife and risked destroying his career and family?" sports announcer Dan Clark shared.

"It's Patriots fans. Cheering on cheaters is all they ever do," one fan added.

"So Pats fans are gonna turn this into 'us against the media' again. This is why 31 other team fanbases can't wait for them to return to the pre-Brady/Belichick days," one fan added.

"Its the Patriots. Their fanbase has enjoyed over two decades of cheating their way to several Super Bowl wins. Why would they have any problem with another cheating head coach?" one fan added.

If there's one thing Patriots fans are used to, it's scandal. And they appear to have no problem with this one.

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This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 4:30 PM.