"Every day there are distractions”: Patriots HC Mike Vrabel opens up about Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore facing assault accusations

The New England Patriots have experienced a successful regular season in their first year under Mike Vrabel. The Patriots are 13-3 heading into the season finale against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. However, the team is facing some off-field distractions as the playoffs draw closer.

This week, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and defensive tackle Christian Barmore found themselves engulfed in assault allegations. Reports emerged that Diggs is facing charges related to an alleged incident on Dec 2. Barmore, on the other hand, has been charged for an incident that occurred on Aug. 8.

In his media availability on Wednesday, Mike Vrabel was questioned on how disappointing it is to deal with the distractions stemming from the two players’ assault allegation. The coach didn't see the ongoing legal issues as a bigger distraction than the usual ones for the team.

“Well, I would say not disappointing at all,” Vrabel said. “I think that these are allegations, like you mentioned in your question. It's things that we have to handle and every day, there are distractions, some are smaller than others.

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“I'm confident that we'll focus on the dolphins and those two individuals that you mentioned will be able to handle the ongoing legal process.”

Also Read: Patriots WR Stefon Diggs charged with assault and battery alongside felony strangulation count: Report

Also Read: Patriots dealt more bad news after Stefon Diggs' case, DT Christian Barmore faces assault charges on household members

Mike Vrabel is doing nothing special to keep the players focused

With two important players facing that sort of assault allegation at the same time, the belief is that there may be some loss of focus among the players on the team. Mike Vrabel was asked if he's adopting a special method to get the players to stay focused ahead of the Miami game.

“No different than we've done every single week,” Vrabel said. “We come in on Wednesday, we try to learn the personnel, talk about the Dolphins that are 5-2 in their last seven games, have turned the ball over – created 13 turnovers in those five wins, with a running back that's first in the league in yards per carry, yards after contact and explosive runs, and some young defensive linemen that are really improving and playing well. “That was our focus this morning, trying to prepare for our opponent, put the game plan in and practice. But that's what we do every single Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.”

Mike Vrabel’s team is looking to earn the AFC No. 1 seed and get a first-round bye, along with a home advantage in the playoffs, with a win against the Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. However, the Denver Broncos are currently in the driving seat, and a win for them against the Los Angeles Chargers ends the Patriots’ hope.

Edited by Farouk Yusuf