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Craig Carton slams Dianna Russini for ‘brain-dead decision’ as new show launches
Developed over time first seen 2 hours ago
Craig Carton criticised Dianna Russini’s choice to launch her media comeback through a partnership with BetUS, an offshore sportsbook he said is not licensed in any US state. He argued that the choice could undermine her attempt to return to sports journalism after resigning from The Athletic amid allegations about her relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
Russini is set to host a weekly show and write a column for BetUS. The Athletic’s investigation said she had violated newsroom standards and that some of her past coverage of Vrabel appeared awkward in hindsight; Russini has not admitted to wrongdoing and described the past six months as “heartbreaking”. Carton, who served prison time for wire and securities fraud tied to gambling debts and owed $4.8 million in restitution, also questioned the guest line-up for her first show.
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In short
- Carton criticised Russini’s BetUS partnership.
- The offshore sportsbook is not licensed in any US state.
- Russini is returning with a weekly show and column.
How this story developed
- 17 minutes ago Craig Carton criticised Dianna Russini’s choice to launch her media comeback through a partnership with BetUS, an offshore sportsbook he said is not licensed in any US state.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Russini may reasonably see the BetUS partnership as a chance to resume sports journalism on her own terms, with a regular show and column providing a platform to address sports and rebuild her career. The reported allegations have not been admitted by her, and a new role does not itself establish wrongdoing; supporters may argue that her work should be judged on its content and that people deserve a path back after professional setbacks.
The case against
Critics may argue that associating with an offshore sportsbook raises questions about editorial independence and judgement, particularly for a journalist seeking to restore trust after a newsroom standards investigation involving coverage of a coach. If the company is not licensed in any US state, the choice could also invite scrutiny of whether its commercial interests fit comfortably with sports journalism. On this view, a different platform might have offered a clearer separation between reporting and gambling.
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Bias meters
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