The New England Patriots have dominated Week 18’s headlines for all the wrong reasons.
It started with news of wide receiver Stefon Diggs facing a felony criminal charge as a result of an alleged assault that took place on Dec. 2.
One day later, reports surfaced of defensive tackle Christian Barmore facing a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery for an alleged incident dating back to August of this year involving a woman he had been in a relationship with.
Both cases remain ongoing, and both players are expected to play in the final regular-season game of the year on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
Head coach Mike Vrabel has maintained that his team will support its players throughout the investigation. Quarterback Drake Maye echoed that sentiment when he spoke to the media on Wednesday afternoon.
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“The best thing Coach Vrabel always says is ‘let those guys speak for themselves,’” Maye said. “I’m going to support them anyway that I can. I support my teammates and love those guys.
“Those two — I mean, really everybody — I really have a good relationship with. I feel like whatever they need from me, I’m here for them.”
When asked if he shared a message with the team about the situation, Maye said no and reiterated that Vrabel had it under control.
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Maye concluded by stating the importance of both Diggs and Barmore to the team.
“Stef, man, he means a lot to this team,” Maye said. “He’s breaking the huddle down before practice today. He’s chirping at me on the sideline to give him the rock. He’s pumping up the young guys when they make big plays. He’s blocking downfield. He gives off the persona of one of those guys that you just want to be teammates with.”
“Then B-More [Barmore], I love talking crap with B-More. He’s passionate about football, passionate about the game. He’s one of those guys in the locker room that you want to have rushing the passer. He loves quarterbacks, too, especially his own, but he loves getting after them. But really, I think those guys, personally, I think they just care about one another. They care about each other, and they care about this football team.”
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