Portnoy Calls Rossini's Resignation Letter 'Zero Sense' After Alleged Affair

The Barstool Sports founder claims the sports journalist's explanation for leaving The Athletic 'screams guilty canoodler'.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:55pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, contrasting colors, conceptually representing the complex dynamics between sports media and sources.A cubist interpretation of the alleged affair between a sports journalist and an NFL coach, deconstructing the scandal into fragmented geometric shapes.Sedona Today

Dave Portnoy has weighed in on Dianna Rossini's resignation from The Athletic, claiming her explanation for leaving the publication 'makes zero sense' after photos surfaced of her with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a luxury hotel. Portnoy speculated that 'something beyond a friendship was happening' between the married individuals, though both have denied any wrongdoing.

Why it matters

The alleged affair between Rossini and Vrabel, who are both married to other people, has sparked a media frenzy and led to Rossini's resignation from The Athletic. Portnoy's comments add to the ongoing discussion around the incident and its implications for the individuals involved as well as the sports journalism industry.

The details

In her resignation letter, Rossini said her decision was due to 'commentators in various media' engaging in 'self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.' The Athletic's executive editor confirmed Rossini's resignation and noted that 'new questions were raised' during the publication's investigation into the matter. Portnoy argued that neither Rossini nor Vrabel should lose their jobs over the alleged affair, stating 'it's football' and not a matter involving 'nuclear codes' or 'politicians.'

  • On March 28, Rossini and Vrabel were photographed together at the Ambiente hotel in Sedona, Arizona.
  • On April 14, Rossini submitted her resignation letter to The Athletic.

The players

Dave Portnoy

The founder of Barstool Sports, a sports and pop culture media company.

Dianna Rossini

A sports journalist who was a Senior NFL Insider at The Athletic until her recent resignation.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who was photographed with Rossini at a luxury hotel.

Steven Ginsberg

The executive editor of The Athletic, who confirmed Rossini's resignation and the publication's investigation into the matter.

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What they’re saying

“If we're just being honest this explanation really makes zero sense. I don't think anybody should lose their job over alleged canoodling but this statement makes it seem like there was definitely canoodling happening.”

— Dave Portnoy, Barstool Sports founder

“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn't deserve any further response.”

— Mike Vrabel

“The photos don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”

— Dianna Rossini

What’s next

The Athletic is expected to continue its investigation into the matter and determine if any further action is warranted regarding Rossini's resignation.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex relationships between sports journalists and their sources, as well as the potential consequences when those lines are blurred. It also raises questions about the role of social media and speculation in shaping public perception of such situations.