Full Breakdown
Dianna Russini’s Sex Joke Resurfaces
5/8/2026, 11:09:07 PM
Barstool Feud
During a Barstool Sports Zoom “Family Feud” in April 2020, ESPN analyst Dianna Russini answered “What is something you might close your eyes to do?” with “When you have sex with your husband or wife.” Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, also on the call, shook his head.
Earlier Remarks
Russini later called her husband, Shake Shack executive Kevin Goldschmidt, “average” on ESPN’s “Get Up” in 2021, joking she was “killing” him on TV. After resort photos of the pair emerged in April 2026, The Athletic opened an investigation and Russini resigned on April 14.
Timeline
Key dates: April 2020 – Barstool Feud clip; Sep 2020 – Russini marries Goldschmidt; Jun 2021 – Tennessee boat trip; Apr 7 2026 – resort photos released; Apr 11 2026 – Athletic investigation; Apr 14 2026 – Russini resigns; Apr 21 2026 – Vrabel addresses reporters; Apr 22 2026 – Vrabel announces counseling; May 7 2026 – TMZ releases boat video.
Official Responses
The Athletic reviewed Russini’s conduct after the images appeared. Vrabel told reporters he had “had some difficult conversations … my family, the organization, the coaches, the players” and would seek counseling to “be the best husband, father and coach.” Russini’s resignation note on X said she stood by her reporting while leaving.
Criticism
Commentators said the jokes and photos raised concerns about journalistic impartiality and a possible conflict of interest for a reporter covering the NFL while interacting with a head coach.
On-the-Ground
Page Six photos show the pair lounging at an Arizona resort pool; other images capture them in a New York bar (Mar 2020) and on a Tennessee lake (Jun 2021) during Russini’s pregnancy.
Conflicts
TMZ placed the boat outing in Cookeville, Tennessee; other outlets said Putnam County. The Barstool segment used “Family Feud Kids” questions, a detail omitted in the broadcast. No conclusive evidence of a romantic relationship has been provided.
Quotes
- “What the f – – k is this clip! I disavow! There is no way this can be real,” “Can we just play some football! Hut hut! Blue 42! Blue 42! Hut! Hut!” — Dave Portnoy, Barstool Sports founder.
- “As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend.” — Mike Vrabel, Patriots head coach.
- “I’m married to someone average.” — Dianna Russini, ESPN analyst (2021).
- “I didn’t know it was the kid version.” — Dianna Russini, responding to the Family Feud prompt.
Future
The Patriots’ 2026 NFL Draft will continue without Vrabel on the third day as he pursues counseling. The Athletic’s investigation remains open, and further actions may follow its findings.
