Dave Portnoy expresses fear of Mike Vrabel amid controversy
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 6:05 PM
Last updated Jun 3, 2026
Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and known Patriots fan, expressed uncertainty regarding his relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Portnoy highlighted an episode at a recent celebrity softball game where he chose not to approach Vrabel out of fear. This followed a controversy over Vrabel's purported inappropriate relationship with reporter Dianna Russini, which led to Russini's resignation from The Athletic and Vrabel attending counseling. Despite his apprehension, Portnoy conveyed support for Vrabel and warned against jokes about the situation ahead of the NFL schedule release.
- •Portnoy attended a celebrity softball game for Patriots QB Dray Maye.
- •He felt afraid to confront Vrabel during the event.
- •Russini resigned amid scrutiny of her relationship with Vrabel.
- •Portnoy warned teams against joking about the controversy.
- 6:05 PMYahoo Sports — Dave Portnoy says he was ‘afraid’ of Mike Vrabel following Dianna Russini controversy
"Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is one of the most avid and public New England Patriots fans in the country, but even he isn’t sure where he stands with head coach Mike Vrabel these days. The NFL offseason was dominated by a new cycle surrounding Vrabel and what many believe was a years-long inappropriate relationship…
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