Dave Portnoy says he avoided speaking to Mike Vrabel during a recent celebrity softball event, even though the two have known each other for years. The Barstool Sports founder explained that he was unsure how Vrabel felt after Portnoy publicly commented on the controversy involving Vrabel and former The Athletic reporter Dianna Russini. Speaking on Barstool’s YouTube channel after attending Drake Maye’s Celebrity Softball Game, Portnoy said he chose not to walk up to the New England Patriots head coach. The comments came as Vrabel continues to deal with public attention surrounding reports about his personal life.Despite the situation, Portnoy said Vrabel appeared relaxed at the event and received a warm welcome from those in attendance. The Patriots coach has recently returned to team activities after taking time away for family counseling.
Dave Portnoy explains why he stayed away from Mike Vrabel amid Dianna Russini controversy
When asked whether he spoke with Mike Vrabel at the softball game, Dave Portnoy gave a simple answer. “No, I did not. I was afraid to go up to him.” Portnoy then explained why he felt uncomfortable starting a conversation. “I do have a relationship with him in the past [but] I have no idea what he’s seen, what I’ve said,” he said.Even though he kept his distance, Portnoy said Vrabel looked comfortable throughout the event. “I mean, it was like a locker room environment. He was totally normal and got a very big standing ovation,” Portnoy said. Asked again if there was any interaction, he added: “I saw him. He seemed like he was in good spirits. Normal interaction with all the players.”The attention around Vrabel began after photos published earlier this year showed him and Dianna Russini together at a resort in Arizona. The images sparked widespread discussion online and across NFL media. Both sides faced heavy public scrutiny as the story developed. On May 27, Vrabel spoke to reporters and publicly expressed his appreciation for his family while addressing questions about balancing football and personal matters.“I appreciate my family, I love Jen, I love the boys [Tyler and Carter], I love my personal friends,” Vrabel said. When reporters asked about outside distractions, Vrabel turned the focus back to football. “We all have to deal with things outside of here,” he said. “My focus, and obviously the excitement that I have for coaching, is what is most important right now, and this is a great opportunity.”Vrabel also made it clear that he planned to continue leading the Patriots. “I’m gonna be out there in full force,” he said before taking part in organized team activities in Foxborough.
