New England Patriots star Christian Gonzalez insists he remains ‘right behind’ Mike Vrabel even as scandal engulfs the under-fire NFL coach and Dianna Russini.
Vrabel’s relationship with the NFL reporter has been under the microscope ever since Page Six published pictures of Russini and the Patriots coach at a $2,500-a-night adults-only resort in Arizona in March.
They appeared to be holding hands and hugging at the resort but the pair, who are both married with children, denied having an affair and said they were with a larger group of people.
Since then other photos have emerged of the pair at a New York bar back in 2020.
Last week, Vrabel issued a groveling apology to his family and revealed he would be starting counseling, while Russini has resigned from the Athletic but continues to deny the allegations.
The Patriots coach also revealed that he has addressed his team amid the scandal. Gonzalez was a key player as Vrabel led the Patriots to the Super Bowl and the cornerback has defended his coach ahead of the new season.
Mike Vrabel’s Mike Vrabel’s relationship with Diana Russini has been under the microscope
The pair, who are both married with children, denied having an affair after the photos emerged
‘That’s who I go out and play for, and he’s proven what he can do,’ Christian Gonzalez said
‘We aren’t going to speak on what we talked about inside the building, but that’s my coach,’ Gonzalez, 23, said.
‘That’s who I go out and play for, and he’s proven what he can do as a coach… that’s my guy, and I’m right behind Vrabes any time of day.’
Gonzalez’s comments come after star quarterback Drake Maye also gave Vrabel his backing amid the off-field scandal.
‘We’re here for Coach, we love Coach,’ Maye told 7News Boston WHDH on Wednesday night. ‘What he does for us, what he’s done for us this past year, you can’t speak into words.
‘[I am] just thankful he’s our head coach. I know he’s dealing with some off the field and out of the coaching world, but we’re here for him and I know he’s gonna come back.’
Earlier this week Vrabel, who previously spent time as head coach of the Tennessee Titans, was given a standing ovation when he greeted fans in Foxborough.
That came after he gave an emotional press conference last week, when Vrabel admitted he had been forced to have some ‘difficult conversations’ with his family about the Russini scandal.
Yet as a source told The Daily Mail, he also feels remorse over Russini’s situation after she quit her job at The Athletic.
