New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel took a notably different approach Friday when asked about running back TreVeyon Henderson’s public comments on a Massachusetts child custody case.
Henderson defended a couple who said the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families removed their daughter from their custody after they refused to let her transition to a boy. State officials have said the case involved allegations of abuse. The parents have not been convicted of a crime.
Henderson addressed the case on social media and spoke with reporters Thursday.
When asked about the running back’s remarks, Vrabel praised Henderson for clearly explaining his position.
“I think he’s handled it, I mean, about as maturely,” Vrabel said. “I think he tried to explain himself. TreVeyon is a special person and a great teammate. I love being around him.
“And I think he pretty much spoke on what he thought and what he believes, and I think that that’s impressive. You know, for him to be able to speak on it, and [I] leave it up to him.”
Vrabel’s comments marked a shift from the caution he offered Henderson in April, after the running back voiced support for former Chicago Bulls player Jaden Ivey.
The Bulls released Ivey after he criticized the NBA’s promotion of Pride Month and what he described as “unrighteousness.”
Speaking at the NFL’s annual meeting in Arizona, Vrabel said players were entitled to express their beliefs but emphasized that they also spoke as representatives of the Patriots.
“I think there’s a fine line,” Vrabel said at the time. “I’ll tell you, I love TreVeyon. I love the person. He cares deeply about our team. He cares deeply about his faith. He cares deeply about his family. His wife. The people in our building.
“And so, I want them to be able to express what they believe in their heart and in their mind. But also, I want to make sure that they’re educated. We want to be inclusive. Everything we want to do wants to provide an environment for people to feel comfortable.
“But also to share their personal beliefs and, also, we represent the team, and we represent the organization.”
Vrabel did not reiterate that warning when he spoke Friday.
The change in tone followed an offseason controversy involving former NFL reporter Dianna Russini. Page Six published photographs that appeared to show Vrabel and Russini holding hands, embracing and spending time together at a resort in Sedona, Arizona. Both are married.
“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” Vrabel told the New York Post. “This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
The NFL reportedly investigated the photographs, which were taken before a league meeting in Arizona.
Vrabel’s defense of Henderson received support online, where some commenters accused reporters of trying to push the Patriots coach into condemning the running back’s religious beliefs.
