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Patriots QB Drake Maye Backs Vrabel Amid Scandal

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 29 2026 Patriots quarterback Drake Maye backed head coach Mike Vrabel despite the Dianna Russini scandal.
Vrabel missed Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft for counseling and was absent from duties.
Page Six posted April 7 photos of Vrabel and Russini holding hands at a Sedona resort, with images from April 21-23.
Patriots rely on Maye’s 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns.

History

Historical Context

In September 2007 the Patriots were penalized for videotaping the Jets, with commissioner Roger Goodell fining head coach Bill Belichick $500,000, the team $250,000 and stripping its 2008 first-round draft pick. The punishment led the NFL to tighten conduct rules. In April 2026, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye publicly backed coach Mike Vrabel during a media controversy, echoing the franchise’s earlier loyalty battles.

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Story summary

On April 29 2026 Patriots quarterback Drake Maye backed head coach Mike Vrabel despite the Dianna Russini scandal.
Vrabel missed Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft for counseling and was absent from duties.
Page Six posted April 7 photos of Vrabel and Russini holding hands at a Sedona resort, with images from April 21-23.
Patriots rely on Maye’s 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns.

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