Patriots Star Christian Gonzalez Was Asked About Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini Scandal
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel may have received a much-needed morale boost this weekend.
Vrabel has been dominating the headlines ever since Page Six published photos of him spending time at an Arizona hotel with former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini. Although he initially denied any wrongdoing, he announced last week that he'd undergo counseling.
After Page Six shared the initial photos of Russini and Vrabel, NBC Sports Boston's Michael Holley reported that Patriots players will "demand answers" from their head coach.
"I talked to a former player and he said, ‘The hell they won't want answers. You think Mike Vrabel can just brush this under the rug without talking to the players? Coaching don't treat us like they treat the media.' I think Vrabel will have to say something to his team," the anonymous player told Holley. "I think he's gonna have to answer to something that's been in the news for a while. For his credibility he's gonna have to say something to the team."
One player on the Patriots who won't demand answers is All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
While at a softball event this weekend, Gonzalez made it clear that he's going to give Vrabel his best effort next season.
"We ain't gonna speak on what we talked about inside the building," Gonzalez said. "But I mean, that's my coach. That's who I go out there and play for. He's proven to what he can do as a coach. That's my guy, and I ride behind Vrabes any time of the day."
The Patriots have Vrabel's back.
Prior to the start of the NFL Draft, the Patriots said they fully support Vrabel as their head coach.
"The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel's decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being," the team said. "Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment."
A few days later, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye pledged his allegiance to Vrabel.
"We're here for coach, we love coach," Maye told reporters. "We know he's dealing with some stuff off the field and out of the coaching world but we're here for him and I know he's gonna come back."
Suffice to say, Vrabel hasn't lost the locker room in New England.
Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 5:01 PM.