Barstool Sports leader Dave Portnoy has responded to Dianna Russini‘s resignation from The New York Times’ sports brand, The Athletic. In a new social media post, the controversial media personality questioned Russini’s departure, saying it “makes zero sense.” Russini came under fire in early April 2026 after photos of her appearing to get close to NFL head coach Mike Vrabel were shared online, sparking much conversation and backlash.
Dave Portnoy Shares Bold Statement About Dianna Russini’s Resignation From The Athletic
“If we’re just being honest this explanation really makes zero sense. I don’t think anybody should lose their job over alleged canoodling but this statement makes it seem like there was definitely canoodling happening,” Portnoy wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “An innocent canoodler would prob welcome a thorough investigation to prove their innocence and exonerate themselves right? This screams guilty canoodler to me.”
Russini’s resignation comes days after Page Six published photos appearing to show New England Patriots’ head coach Mike Vrabel holding hands with Russini, a prominent sports journalist with years of skin in the game. The two were seen at the Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona.
Dianna Russini Denies Wrongdoing After Being Spotted Having Breakfast With Vrabel
A source told the outlet that Vrabel and Russini, who are both married to other people, were spotted having breakfast on the patio on Saturday, March 28, 2026, before being seen together for nearly an hour at the pool and in the hot tub.
Later in the day, the pair were seen having a private moment in a bungalow on the hotel’s rooftop, which offered views of Arizona’s Red Rock formations. According to the outlet, the hotel’s two-person bungalows cost more than $2,100 per night. The insider saw the two hugging that night, interlacing their fingers as they stared into each other’s eyes.
The photos sparked much criticism, sparking Vrabel to deny wrongdoing in a statement to Page Six. “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” he said. “This doesn’t deserve any further response.”
Russini chimed in, saying the photos only show part of the truth and fail to include the “group of six people” who were also at the Ambiente that day. “Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues,” she said.
Dianna Russini’s Resignation Is Made Public
The heat might’ve been too much for Russini to deal with, as she officially announced her resignation from the NYT’s Athletic brand on April 14.
“I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published,” the letter, sent to Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg, read. “When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.”
Russini went on to say that the “media frenzy” has only exacerbated the situation, ultimately causing “far more damage than I am willing to accept.”
The Athletic Is Still Investigating Russini
Despite her resignation, The Athletic is still investigating Russini. According to NBC Sports, Ginsberg alerted the Athletic staff via Slack that the probe into Russini was still ongoing before emphasizing the seriousness of the matter and allegations.
Ginsberg also appeared to acknowledge the outlet’s changed stance, stating, “When this situation was brought to our attention last week, there were clear concerns, but we received a detailed explanation and it was our instinct to support and defend a colleague while we continued to review the matter.”
Ginsberg initially called the released photos “misleading” and claimed they lacked “essential context.” He added, “These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic.”
The Athletic Has Clear Guidelines For Its Staff
The Athletic has clear editorial guidelines for its staff. Specifically, it says team members “should avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest and reveal those sources or affiliations that may put into question our ability to be credible.”
Throughout her career, Russini worked for NBC New York and ESPN.