The lives of former The Athletic NFL reporter Dianna Russini and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel were turned upside down when Page Six published photos of the two spending time at an adults-only resort in Sedona, Arizona.
After the pair, who are both married to other people, initially denied any inappropriate relationship, Russini ultimately tendered her resignation to The Athletic, and Vrabel stepped away from the Patriots for the third day of the NFL draft to seek counseling. The story has snowballed into arguably the biggest of the NFL offseason, leading to speculation that the NFL would step in to block teams from poking fun at the situation in their annual schedule release videos.
However, it was reported on Thursday that no such protections would be granted.
“The NFL will not be reviewing team’s videos for jokes surrounding New England Patriots HC Mike Vrabel ahead of Thursday night’s annual schedule release, per Front Office Sports. The league is letting teams use their own judgment regarding potential content about Vrabel’s connection with Dianna Russini,” Yahoo Sports posted on X.
Let me say this loud and clear. I will be monitoring all schedule releases and anybody who makes a joke about this disgusting controversy will be put on my list and face potential legal action. You’ve been warned. https://t.co/qHxPgsr9mX
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) May 14, 2026
The league is letting teams use their own judgment regarding potential content about Vrabel’s connection with Dianna Russini.
In response, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who is a diehard Patriots fans and ardent Vrabel supporter, has taken it upon himself to warn teams off of poking fun at the situation.
“Let me say this loud and clear. I will be monitoring all schedule releases and anybody who makes a joke about this disgusting controversy will be put on my list and face potential legal action. You’ve been warned,” Portnoy posted on X.
Although he’s almost certainly joking, Portnoy has built an empire on his unpredictability and willingness to go to lengths that others are not. We’ll have to wait and see if any of the other 31 franchises in the league call his bluff.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.