Sports Leader Bar Stool Dave Portnoy responded to Dianna Russiniresignation 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 no sense.” Russini was criticized in early April 2026 after photos of her appearing to get close to NFL head coach Mike Vrabel were shared online, sparking numerous conversations and negative reactions.
If we’re just being honest, this explanation really doesn’t make any sense. I don’t think anyone should lose their job because of alleged boating, but this statement makes it sound like there was indeed boating. An innocent canoodler would probably appreciate a thorough analysis… https://t.co/HCoSBoZ9Ty
– Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) April 14, 2026
“If we’re being honest, this explanation really doesn’t make any sense. I don’t think anyone should lose their job over alleged boating, but this statement makes it sound like there was indeed boating,” Portnoy wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “An innocent canoodler would probably appreciate a thorough investigation to prove his innocence and exonerate himself, right? That screams guilty canoodler to me.”
Russini’s resignation comes days after Page Six published photos showing New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel holding hands with Russini, a prominent sports journalist with years of football experience. The two were seen at Ambiente in Sedona, Arizona.
Dianna Russini denies wrongdoing after being spotted having breakfast with Vrabel
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel and Athletic reporter Dianna Russini were seen holding hands and hugging while at a luxury hotel pool in photos obtained by the New York Post. Vrabel and Russini both married.
“Russini and Vrabel insist they were there with friends and say… pic.twitter.com/OmbDBH2PR1
— New England Sports Scholar (@_JosephManning) April 7, 2026
A source told the outlet that Vrabel and Russini, 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 hot tub.
Later that day, the two were seen enjoying some private time in a hotel rooftop bungalow, boasting 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, intertwining their fingers as they looked into each other’s eyes.
The photos sparked widespread criticism, prompting Vrabel to deny any wrongdoing in a statement to Page Six. “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion to the contrary is laughable,” he said. “It deserves no further response.”
Russini intervened, saying the photos only show part of the truth and do not include the “group of six people” who were also at Ambiente that day. “Like most NFL journalists, reporters interact with sources far from stadiums and other locations,” she said.
Dianna Russini’s resignation made public
The heat might have been too much for Russini, as she officially announced her resignation from The New York Times’ 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,” read the letter sent to The Athletic editor-in-chief Steven Ginsberg. “When the Page Six article first appeared, The Athletic unequivocally supported me, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. I am grateful. In the days since, unfortunately, commentators in various media outlets have engaged in self-perpetuating speculation that is simply disconnected from the facts.
Russini added that the “media frenzy” only exacerbated the situation, ultimately causing “much more damage than I am prepared to accept.”
Athletic still investigating Russini
Ginsberg confirmed that The Athletic’s review of his work – led by standards editor Mike Semel – would continue.
He also acknowledged the changing messages: “When this situation was brought to our attention last week, there were obvious concerns, but we received a detailed response…
— Jeremy Barr (@jeremymbarr) April 14, 2026
Despite his resignation, The Athletic is still investigating Russini. According to NBC Sports, Ginsberg alerted Athletic staff via Slack that the investigation into Russini was still ongoing before emphasizing the seriousness of the matter and the allegations.
Ginsberg also appeared to acknowledge the media outlet’s change in stance, saying: “When this situation was brought to our attention last week, there were clear concerns, but we were given a detailed explanation and it was our instinct to support and defend a colleague as we continued to look into the matter.”
Ginsberg initially called the published photos “misleading” and claimed they lacked “essential context.” He added: “These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a leading journalist covering the NFL and we are proud to have her at The Athletic.”
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 disclose sources or affiliations that might call into question our ability to be credible.”
Throughout his career, Russini has worked for NBC New York and ESPN.