New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez is supporting his head coach, Mike Vrabel, amid the latter’s ongoing scandal.
“We aren’t going to speak on what we talked about inside the building, but I mean, that’s my coach,” Gonzalez, 23, told reporters in a Saturday, May 2, press conference. “That’s who I go out and play for, and he’s proven what he can do as a coach.”
The pro athlete continued, “That’s my guy, and I’m right behind Vrabes any time of day.”
Vrabel, 50, has been spotted with sports journalist Dianna Russini on multiple occasions between 2020 and earlier this year despite their respective marriages to other people. Both Vrabel and Russini, 43, have categorically denied speculation about their relationship status.
“That’s a personal and private matter,” Vrabel stated during a press conference last month. “I think that was an attempt to protect your family and I would never be dismissive. I think my family and this football team are the most important thing … I’m excited about the challenge with both of those things.”
Days later, Vrabel underwent counseling sessions.
“I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them,” he said in another statement. “In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend. This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.”
The coach added, “I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person.”
Vrabel, who even sat out the 2026 NFL Draft amid his therapy sessions, has since returned to work.
As for Russini, she resigned from her duties covering football for The Athletic.
“This media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete,” she wrote in an April resignation letter. “It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept.”
Russini continued at the time, “Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.”
Neither Vrabel nor Russini addressed one another by name in their respective statements.
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