Dave Portnoy Criticizes Mike Vrabel for Missing NFL Draft Day 3 for Counseling
Dave Portnoy criticized Patriots coach Mike Vrabel for skipping Day 3 of the NFL draft to attend counseling. The Barstool Sports founder said he supports Vrabel getting help but questioned the timing of missing the draft.
Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and prominent Patriots fan, publicly criticized coach Mike Vrabel's decision to miss the final day of the NFL draft for counseling sessions.
Portnoy posted on social media that while he supports Vrabel getting help for his family, the timing seemed wrong. "I'm all for him doing what's right for his family but maybe we can get counseling and still attend the draft," Portnoy wrote on April 23, 2026.
The criticism sparked broader sports media discussion, with some calling it a "full-blown PR disaster" for how the situation was handled. Other commentators found Portnoy's reaction inappropriate given the personal nature of mental health care.
Vrabel held a press conference about his decision, though details of his explanation weren't clear from available reports. The Patriots coach's choice to prioritize personal counseling during one of the NFL's most important weekends created an unusual situation in professional sports.
The public criticism highlights the pressure NFL coaches face during draft season. It also shows how mental health decisions by public figures can spark debate about work priorities versus personal care.
Watch for Vrabel's response to the criticism and how it affects his standing with Patriots fans.
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