Dianna Russini is planning a return to sports media, sources told Front Office Sports, after The Athletic published its review of her work and her relationship with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
Russini is “absolutely” preparing a comeback and has discussed several opportunities, ranging from pro football insider work to an opinion or personality role. She has not settled on a destination, but a move could come sooner rather than later with the NFL season underway, FOS noted.
Barstool Sports is viewed as a leading candidate. Russini is friends with Pardon My Take hosts Dan “Big Cat” Katz and PFT Commenter and has appeared often on their podcast.
Barstool founder Dave Portnoy previously called hiring her a “no-brainer.” Fox Sports Radio host Jon “Stugotz” Weiner has also said his offer to bring her on “holds forever.”
Russini resigned from The Athletic in April after the New York Post published photographs of her with Vrabel at an Arizona resort. The Athletic’s nearly five-month review found the relationship was a “clear violation” of company standards because it was not disclosed. The review did not find a clear link that she used her platform to promote Vrabel or his teams.
In her first comment since resigning, Russini told The Athletic, “I stand by any and all reporting I’ve ever done in my career,” and declined an interview.
