Barstool Sports activities chief Dave Portnoy has responded to Dianna Russini‘s resignation from The New York Occasions’ sports activities model, The Athletic. In a brand new social media put up, the controversial media character questioned Russini’s departure, saying it “makes zero sense.” Russini got here below hearth in early April 2026 after pictures of her showing to get near NFL head coach Mike Vrabel have been shared on-line, sparking a lot dialog and backlash.
Dave Portnoy Shares Daring Assertion About Dianna Russini’s Resignation From The Athletic
“If we’re simply being trustworthy this clarification actually makes zero sense. I don’t assume anyone ought to lose their job over alleged canoodling however this assertion makes it look like there was positively canoodling taking place,” Portnoy wrote on X, previously often known as Twitter. “An harmless canoodler would prob welcome an intensive investigation to show their innocence and exonerate themselves proper? This screams responsible canoodler to me.”
Russini’s resignation comes days after Page Six printed pictures showing to point out New England Patriots’ head coach Mike Vrabel holding fingers with Russini, a distinguished sports activities journalist with years of pores and skin within the recreation. The 2 have been seen on the Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona.
Dianna Russini Denies Wrongdoing After Being Noticed Having Breakfast With Vrabel
A supply informed the outlet that Vrabel and Russini, who’re each married to different individuals, have been noticed having breakfast on the patio on Saturday, March 28, 2026, earlier than being seen collectively for almost an hour on the pool and within the scorching tub.
Later within the day, the pair have been seen having a non-public second in a bungalow on the lodge’s rooftop, which provided views of Arizona’s Crimson Rock formations. In keeping with the outlet, the lodge’s two-person bungalows price greater than $2,100 per evening. The insider noticed the 2 hugging that evening, interlacing their fingers as they stared into one another’s eyes.
The pictures sparked a lot criticism, sparking Vrabel to disclaim wrongdoing in an announcement to Web page Six. “These pictures present a very harmless interplay and any suggestion in any other case is laughable,” he stated. “This doesn’t deserve any additional response.”
Russini chimed in, saying the pictures solely present a part of the reality and fail to incorporate the “group of six individuals” who have been additionally on the Ambiente that day. “Like most journalists within the NFL, reporters work together with sources away from stadiums and different venues,” she stated.
Dianna Russini’s Resignation Is Made Public
The warmth would possibly’ve been an excessive amount of for Russini to take care of, as she formally introduced her resignation from the NYT’s Athletic model on April 14.
“I’ve coated the NFL with professionalism and dedication all through my profession, and I stand behind each story I’ve ever printed,” the letter, despatched to Athletic govt editor Steven Ginsberg, learn. “When the Web page Six merchandise first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and satisfaction in my journalism. For that I’m grateful. Within the days that adopted, sadly, commentators in numerous media have engaged in self-feeding hypothesis that’s merely unmoored from the information.”
Russini went on to say that the “media frenzy” has solely exacerbated the state of affairs, finally inflicting “much more injury than I’m keen to just accept.”
The Athletic Is Nonetheless Investigating Russini
Regardless of her resignation, The Athletic continues to be investigating Russini. In keeping with NBC Sports activities, Ginsberg alerted the Athletic workers through Slack that the probe into Russini was nonetheless ongoing earlier than emphasizing the seriousness of the matter and allegations.
Ginsberg additionally appeared to acknowledge the outlet’s modified stance, stating, “When this example was dropped at our consideration final week, there have been clear considerations, however we obtained an in depth clarification and it was our intuition to assist and defend a colleague whereas we continued to evaluate the matter.”
Ginsberg initially called the launched pictures “deceptive” and claimed they lacked “important context.” He added, “These have been public interactions in entrance of many individuals. Dianna is a premier journalist masking the NFL and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic.”
The Athletic Has Clear Tips For Its Employees
The Athletic has clear editorial guidelines for its workers. Particularly, it says crew members “ought to keep away from even the looks of a battle of curiosity and reveal these sources or affiliations which will put into query our means to be credible.”
All through her profession, Russini labored for NBC New York and ESPN.
