Dave Portnoy looms as Dianna Russini responds to internal review and ‘absolutely’ plots media comeback

The Athletic has released its findings from the Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel investigation.

Russini resigned from the publisher after photos of her and the New England Patriots head coach together at a resort were released.

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Conducted by Mike Semel, the investigation concluded that Russini failed to disclose her conflict of interest regarding Vrabel.

“Russini’s relationship with Vrabel was in clear violation of The Athletic’s standards,” the report reads.

“Regardless of whether the relationship was romantic, it was a breach and should have been disclosed.”

Russini served as The Athletic’s senior NFL insider after joining from ESPN in 2023, but had remained out of the spotlight following her April resignation.

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A separate story on the investigation, written by Andrew Marchand, included Russini’s first statement in response to the investigation.

“I stand by any and all reporting I’ve ever done in my career,” Russini told Marchand.

In Foxborough, Vrabel was also asked about the outlet’s findings and whether he had a reaction to share about it.

“No, I don’t have any reaction,” Vrabel said.

“We’re moved on and focused on Seattle and focused on the Patriots and focused on getting better this week.”

With the investigation released, and the 2026 NFL season on the horizon, Russini appears to be gearing up for the next chapter in her career.

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Dave Portnoy leads the race to land Russini for media comeback

“Dianna Russini is ‘absolutely’ planning a comeback to sports media,” Front Office Sports’ Michael McCarthy wrote in an exclusive report.

“The former senior NFL insider for The Athletic has been in discussions about several new job opportunities, ranging from pro football insider to opinionist/personality, say sources.

“Russini hasn’t decided on her next play. But with the kickoff of the new pro football season only six days away, the former ESPN reporter is expected to make her move sooner rather than later.”

McCarthy’s report notes that Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports are the current favorites to land Russini.

She was a frequent guest on the Pardon My Take podcast and is also known to be friends with Dan ‘Big Cat’ Katz.

Portnoy has also previously supported the idea of Russini joining Barstool.

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“Absolutely, no-brainer, if she wanted to work here, we’d do it,” Portnoy said in an interview with US Weekly.

“An affair is not like a murder. It’s bad, but I’m not in the family. She’ll land somewhere, and you know.

“If people who have affairs are never allowed to work again in this country, you’re gonna lose a significant amount of the workforce.

“So, it is obviously really sad, but at the same time, that’s not like a capital offense that should end somebody’s professional career.”