Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel Has Hilarious Response to Question About Conduct Toward Referees image
Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel Has Hilarious Response to Question About Conduct Toward Referees image
Last week, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that the NFL fined Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, Jets coach Aaron Glenn and Eagles coach Nick Sirianni $250,000 each for their conduct toward game officials. While all three coaches are known for their intensity, it's unclear if the league issued the fines for specific incidents or behavior across multiple games.
Those fines are in "abeyance," per Breer, meaning they could be "repealed with good behavior." With that punishment looming over him, Vrabel is trying to adjust his approach when it comes to his interactions with referees.
During an appearance on Monday's edition of "The Greg Hill Show," Vrabel was asked about those conversations, and he revealed that he is now bringing a positive attitude to the sideline.
"I just tell them everything is a great call," Vrabel said. "I go, 'Man, I thought you were gonna miss that one, but you nailed it. You've got it.'"
Upset? Frustrated? What did Patriots HC Mike Vrabel make of the Gabe Jacas 'roughing the passer call'? Live from @GilletteStadium ! #NFL #fyp #patriots https://t.co/CFqNZXm3Op
— The Greg Hill Show (@TheGregHillShow) October 26, 2026
The threat of a massive fine has worked as a deterrent so far because Vrabel clearly doesn't want to write that check.
"Every time I go to cuss at them, I'm like, 'We've got Christmas. We've got weddings coming up,'" Vrabel said. "I just say, 'It's a great call.'"
While Vrabel is hoping to avoid any conflicts with referees moving forward, his primary focus is learning from a Week 7 loss to the Bears and preparing the Patriots for an AFC East battle against the Dolphins on Sunday. New England could move to 3-0 in division games with a win.
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