New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talks with quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the second half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium.
Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
The New England Patriots haven’t exactly been happy with the play of AJ Brown. And they couldn’t handle the Bears in their most recent game. Furthermore, head coach Mike Vrabel got a $250,000 fine for his behavior toward officials, but he had no comment on it, according to a post on X by Ari Meirov.
“#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel, asked about his $250,000 fine for conduct toward officials, says it was meant to remain private and was not supposed to be leaked. ‘I think it’s best to talk to the league. They seem to have plenty to say already about it.’ ”
The Patriots are off to a decent 4-3 start, but they are two games behind the Bills in the loss column in the AFC East.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel dealing with distractions
There has been discussion about what got Vrabel in hot water with the league, according to The Boston Globe. Included in the mix was Vrabel’s conduct in Week 4. He was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct because of language. Vrabel said after the game that he apologized.
But it’s possible the league got him in response to remarks by Scott Green, the executive director of the NFL Referees Association. Green said all parties should be held to the same standard as his officials.
“Officials are routinely subjected to highly charged interactions and, at times, verbal abuse from players and coaches,” Green said in a statement. “While that never excuses misconduct by an official, it shouldn’t be dismissed as simply part of the game. The league expects the highest level of professionalism from its officials, and it should demand the same from everyone on the field.”
Vrabel said he needs a new approach, according to the Greg Hill Show via essentiallysports.com.
“No, I just tell them everything is a great call. Great call,” Vrabel said on The Greg Hill Show. “I go, ‘Man, I thought you were gonna miss that one, but you nailed it. You nailed it.’ Every time I gotta cuss at him, I’m like, Christmas. We got Christmas.”