Dianna Russini's cringe podcast debut raises questions about the viability of her comeback

She did, however, joke about memes related to the scandal."I’ve seen all the memes and comments … and some of you guys are really funny," Russini said on the "Russin Report."She referenced a viral AI video showing her playing the saxophone alongside Vrabel.Russini said that if she played an instrument, it would be the saxophone.

Later, she credited AI with making her look like an "L.A.10."If there was one bright spot in the debut, it was that Russini didn't plead for sympathy, as she did earlier in the week in an interview with People.DIANNA RUSSINI IS PLANNING A RETURN TO UNKNOWN SPORTS MEDIA POSITION 'NEXT WEEK' AFTER SCANDALDuring that discussion, she claimed she was the victim of "heartbreaking lies" and said she wanted to be an inspiration to other women.Russini did not specify which claims about her were "lies."Considering there is photographic evidence of her and Vrabel together dating back seven years, it is hard to dispute that she failed to disclose a personal relationship, romantic or otherwise, with someone she covered and used as a source.

That undisclosed relationship was the reason The Athletic gave for finding her in violation of company standards.Judging by the reaction from various members of the media, Russini did little this week to improve perceptions of her.She continues to handle this poorly, as if she truly believes she did nothing wrong.That is why the outlook for her new project could be dim.BOBBY BURACK: DIANNA RUSSINI WANTS SYMPATHY WITHOUT ACCOUNTABILITY IN MIKE VRABEL SCANDALESPN's Dianna Russini was photographed for 201 Magazine at Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan, N.J., on Aug.

24, 2020.(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)Unsurprisingly, her first episode drew substantial interest.

The website hosting the show, BetUS TV, crashed because of the traffic.The reason for that interest was obvious: People wanted to see whether she would address the scandal.

Because she didn't, that interest is unlikely to carry...