Drake Maye calls Mike Vrabel a 'great human being' amid Dianna Russini affair controversy

The New England Patriots offseason has been filled with controversy, in large part due to Mike Vrabel's reported affair with NFL insider Dianna Russini.

Over the past month, several outlets have published evidence that Vrabel and Russini were seeing each other over the course of the past six years, despite them both being married. Therefore, the Patriots head coach has been at the center of a distraction that could impact his ability to lead the team in the upcoming season.

However, many Patriots players remain in Vrabel's corner, including starting quarterback Drake Maye. The third-year starter was very supportive of Vrabel when speaking with reporters in North Carolina on Wednesday afternoon.

Here's how Maye defended his head coach amid Vrabel's scandal.

MORE: Inside the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini affair timeline

Drake Maye defends Mike Vrabel amid Dianna Russini affair controversy

Maye spoke with reporters ahead of the Truist Championship Pro-Am on Wednesday, and he defended his head coach amid Vrabel's affair controversy.

"I mean, he's our head coach," Maye said. "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."

Vrabel told reporters that he spoke with the team in the lead-up to the NFL Draft so that they wouldn't remain in the dark. As a result, many players have come out publicly supporting their head coach, with Maye being the latest.

The Patriots quarterback said he isn't worried about the scandal having an impact on Vrabel's ability to coach the team in the upcoming season.

"I know he's got the right mindset, and I know he's a great human being," Maye said. "I think he's... like I said, I love playing for him."

Vrabel's first season as Patriots head coach coincided with Maye's second-year jump, as the quarterback finished second in MVP voting and helped lead New England to the NFL playoffs.