Patriots QB Maye Backs Vrabel Amid Photos Controversy

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye voiced strong support for head coach Mike Vrabel on April 29, amid ongoing controversy over photos showing Vrabel with NFL reporter Dianna Russini, both of whom are married with children.

The images, first published last month by Page Six, depicted the pair at an adults-only resort in Sedona, Arizona, including poolside moments and a breakfast together. Additional photos from 2020 showed them kissing at a New York bar during Vrabel's tenure as Tennessee Titans coach. The revelations prompted widespread attention three weeks ago.

Vrabel, 50, who shares two children with his wife Jen, announced he was stepping away temporarily for counseling. He missed the final day of the NFL Draft but returned to the team's facility this week. In a statement, Vrabel said, "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 added that the decision would help him become "the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be."

Russini, 43 and mother of two, resigned from her role at The Athletic on April 14, ahead of her contract's June 30 expiration. In her...