New England Patriots star Christian Gonzalez has Mike Vrabel's back.
New England Patriots star Christian Gonzalez offered his support to head coach Mike Vrabel amid the Dianna Russini scandal.
Here is what Gonzalez said:
Photos showed Vrabel hugging and holding hands with Russini at an adults-only hotel in Arizona. Vrabel and Russini, who are both married to other people, told the New York Post that the photos didn't accurately reflect their interaction.
However, after initially receiving support from The Athletic, Russini announced she was resigning from her role at the outlet. There were also more photos released showing Russini and Vrabel kissing.
Vrabel, 50, won three Super Bowls as a player with New England. He is preparing for his second season as head coach of the Patriots after leading them to a 14-3 regular-season record last season, which ended with the Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Vrabel was not with the Patriots on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. He was with his family and sought counseling.
"As I said the other day, 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. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend," Vrabel said. "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.
"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. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result."
The Patriots supported Vrabel's decision to seek counseling.
Vrabel is not expected to lose his job.
“The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being. 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.
“We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process. While he will not be present at the facility on Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete and Eliot Wolf and his personnel staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned this weekend.”