Dave Portnoy shared his thoughts on a photo scandal involving Mike Vrabel and NFL reporter Diana Russini in a series of social media posts after newly surfaced photos show the pair kissing in a New York City bar in 2020.
The New York Post’s Page Six published the photos Thursday, a day after the New England Patriots head coach announced he would miss Day 3 of the NFL Draft on Saturday to participate in counseling.
As soon as new pictures surfaced online, a large number of people started attacking Rasini’s family, including children.
The Barstool Sports president also pushed conspiracy theories regarding Russini’s son in several posts.
He said, referring to online rumors, “I can’t believe it. I think there’s a chance that Russini fathered Vrabel’s baby. That’s kind of crazy. You can’t name your kid the same as a guy you’re having an affair with. We’ve entered baneland with this story and there’s nothing wrong.”
Meanwhile, Diana Russini deleted her ex’s account after new photos with Mike Vrabel surfaced online.
The scandal began on April 7 when the Post published photos of Vrabel and Russini, who was then an NFL reporter for The Athletic, holding hands and embracing at a luxury resort in Sedona, Ariz.
The photos published on Thursday were reportedly taken at Tribeca Tavern in the early hours of March 11, 2020, and show the pair sitting together at the bar and sharing a kiss. “They were kissing and they were all over each other. She was wearing a ring,” an eyewitness told Page Six.
At the time of the March 11, 2020 photos – remembered as the day COVID-19 was officially declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization – Vrabel was coaching the Tennessee Titans and was already married to his current wife, while Russini was engaged to her current husband.
Vrabel, 50, provided a statement to the Post for Thursday’s story.
“As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I would give them the best version of myself that I possibly could,” he said. “To do that, I have committed to seeking counseling starting this weekend. It’s something I’ve given a lot of thought to and it’s something I would advise any player to do if I was counseling them.
Vrabel added, “I’ve always wanted to lead by example and I believe that’s what I need to do to be the best husband, father and coach I can be.” “This is not an easy thing for me to accept, but I know it will make me a better person. I appreciate the support everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.”
