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New England Patriots legend Asante Samuel shared his opinion on Mike Vrabel amid the scandal with Dianna Russini.

The scandal for New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel over his alleged affair with reporter Dianna Russini has continued on through the NFL Draft. That includes the recent revelation that at one point they rented a private boat together.

There has been plenty of backlash for Vrabel, both personally and in the eyes of the general public. However, that backlash has not seemed to have its impact on the Patriots themselves, as multiple players have had his back in recent weeks.

Now, a former teammate of Vrabel’s, and a Patriots legend in his own right, Asante Samuel has publicly defended Vrabel.

“Don’t be a cornball your entire life fam,” Samuel wrote on Twitter/X. “Mike Vrabel is a leader of men period.”

Samuel and Vrabel played together in New England from 2003 to 2007. During that time, the Patriots would win two Super Bowls and go on to have an undefeated regular season. The pair, it’s safe to say, know each other well thanks to that time together.

Drake Maye is Among the New England Patriots Players to Defend Mike Vrabel

During a scandal like this, it’s not a surprise to see players get peppered with questions. That’s been the case with the New England Patriots, where seemingly across the board, players have had Mike Vrabel’s back.

The most recent example of this has been Drake Maye. The third-year quarterback has now very publicly stood by his head coach.

“No, I don’t [think it will be a distraction]. I mean, he’s our head coach. I think he’s done a great job of talking to us and talking us through it. I’m just looking forward to getting back to work and getting ready,” Maye said.

“… I think that’ll take care of itself, I know he’s got the right mindset, and I know he’s a great human being. Like I said, I love playing for him.”

Maye is far from the only player to take this line. Christian Gonzalez, for example, 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.”

Maye and Gonzalez represent the two biggest stars on the Patriots. In a big locker room, it’s hard to say they speak for every single person, but those are the leaders on either side of the ball advocating on Vrabel’s behalf.

Patriots, Mike Vrabel Warned Dianna Russini May Be Ready to Talk

For the majority of the scandal, Dianna Russini has remained silent. After losing her job as a reporter for The Athletic, despite refuting claims she was having an affair with Mike Vrabel, she went dark on social media and has kept as private as possible.

Now, the Patriots and Vrabel need to be ready, as reports indicate that she’s ready to tell her side of the story.

A source close to Russini shared that television programs have been reaching out to her. That includes Good Morning America and 60 Minutes, as they are looking for an exclusive. Now, it seems as though she’s leaning that it’s time to share her side of the scandal.

Vrabel would likely not be someone she attacks in any of this. However, it’s unclear what new information she would be liable to reveal. Then, there is the question of how Vrabel and the Patriots would address that possible new information.