Alijah Vera-Tucker addresses how Mike Vrabel has handled Dianna Russini controversy

When veteran guard Alijah Vera-Tucker signed with the New England Patriots back in March, he couldn't have guessed at the time that head coach Mike Vrabel and longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini would become the subjects of a headline-generating controversy. 

Vrabel previously revealed that he addressed the team at the start of New England's offseason program. On Thursday, Vera-Tucker discussed how Vrabel has handled this situation behind the scenes. 

Alijah Vera-Tucker praises Mike Vrabel for "being open and honest" amid Dianna Russini controversy

"I think just being open and honest," Vera-Tucker said, per Mark Daniels of MassLive. "I think that’s key in any relationship, and I give credit to him. He’s very honest with us, very open as well. I don’t think a lot of people would be able to do that. I respect that a lot. And like I said, I’m excited to be coached by Vrabel. I think he’s a phenomenal coach in this league." 

Russini resigned from her role of covering the NFL for The Athletic shortly after pictures were published showing her and Vrabel spending time together at an Arizona resort in late March. Shortly after different photos emerged of Vrabel and Russini sharing a kiss and "sitting very close to each other" at a New York City bar in March 2020, he spent the last day of the 2026 NFL Draft away from the team so that he reportedly could participate in counseling.

Tight end Hunter Henry, linebacker Robert Spillane and quarterback Drake Maye are among the Patriots players who have voiced their public support for Vrabel following the draft. Meanwhile, Vrabel returned to work this past Monday. 

Alijah Vera-Tucker impressed with how players have handled themselves amid Mike Vrabel scandal 

"We have family meetings where we really get to know the guys," Vera-Tucker said about what has thus far occurred during New England's offseason program. "So for me, that’s great. My first year being here, and then just a work ethic from each and every guy, man, on the field, in the weight room, I could definitely tell each guy wants to get back to where we were last year." 

The Patriots attempting to do more than just return to the Super Bowl following their loss to the Seattle Seahawks this past February was always going to be difficult. That task may become even harder if Vrabel steps away from the club for more than a day or two at any point between now and the end of the preseason.