Dave Portnoy Faces Antisemitic Attack in Starkville: Arrest Made
Dave Portnoy, 2019. Photo courtesy of Zach Catanzareti Photo under CC BY 2.0.
When Dave Portnoy, the larger-than-life founder of Barstool Sports, set out to film a "One Bite" pizza review in Starkville, Mississippi, he probably expected the usual mix of local flavor and fan excitement. What he did not expect was to become the target of a shocking anti-Semitic attack that would quickly spiral into a viral sensation and a serious legal matter. The incident, which unfolded on a crisp November day in 2025, has since ignited conversations about hate speech, public safety, and the personal toll of bigotry on a public figure who has faced such battles before.
A Viral Moment Turns Ugly
Portnoy was in town ahead of the Mississippi State versus University of Georgia football game, capturing his signature pizza review outside Boardtown Pizza & Pints. The scene was typical for Portnoy's energetic and unfiltered style, but the atmosphere shifted dramatically when a passerby allegedly shouted a vile anti-Semitic slur directly at him. The words "F‑--k the Jews" pierced the air, captured on camera, and instantly ignited outrage online, as reported by the New York Post.
The man behind the hateful outburst was identified as Patrick McClintock, a 20-year-old junior mechanical engineering student at Mississippi State University. The video showed McClintock not only yelling the slur, but also throwing coins toward Portnoy, adding a physical element to the verbal attack. Portnoy confronted McClintock on camera, gesturing for him to come closer, turning a moment of hate into a tense face-to-face exchange. The incident quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing widespread condemnation and spotlighting the disturbing rise of public anti-Semitism that Portnoy himself has spoken about in recent months.
The Arrest and Legal Fallout
The Starkville Police Department acted swiftly. Within days, they issued an arrest warrant for McClintock, who was taken into custody and charged with disturbing the peace. The charge reflects the department's stance that while offensive words alone are protected under free speech, behavior that disrupts public order or risks violence crosses a line. Authorities are also investigating whether the incident qualifies as a bias-motivated crime, which could lead to enhanced penalties under Mississippi law.
McClintock was processed, posed for a mug shot with a blank stare, and released on bond set at $2,500. In a move that underscores the gravity of the situation, he voluntarily withdrew from Mississippi State University shortly after his arrest, signaling the personal and professional consequences of his actions.
Portnoy's Ongoing Battle With Anti-Semitism
This incident is not an isolated episode for Portnoy. The Barstool Sports founder has been candid about the daily anti-Semitic attacks he endures, describing a "definitive shift" in the national climate toward more overt and frequent expressions of hate, as reported by PEOPLE. In interviews, he has shared how the vitriol has escalated from occasional slurs to a relentless barrage of hostility that now colors his public and private life.
The Starkville incident brought this reality into sharp focus, making the abstract threat of anti-Semitism painfully tangible. For Portnoy, it was a moment where the personal collided with the professional, as the attack happened during his work, in front of cameras, and in a public space. The viral nature of the video ensured that millions witnessed the confrontation, amplifying the emotional weight and the stakes involved.
Community and Official Responses
The Starkville Police Department issued a statement emphasizing the right of every person to feel safe and respected in their community. They acknowledged the complexity of balancing free speech protections with the need to maintain public order and safety. The department's commitment to investigating the bias-motivation aspect of the case signals a broader recognition of the seriousness of hate crimes and their impact on victims and communities alike.
Locally, the incident has sparked conversations about tolerance and respect, especially on college campuses where young adults are still shaping their worldviews. Mississippi State University's quick confirmation of McClintock's withdrawal and local media coverage reflect an institutional stance against hate and a desire to distance the university from the controversy.
The Broader Cultural Context
Portnoy's experience in Starkville echoes a troubling trend across the country. Public figures, especially those who are Jewish, have reported increasing hostility and hate speech in recent years. The incident serves as a stark reminder that anti-Semitism is not a relic of the past but a present and persistent threat.
For fans and followers of Portnoy, the episode is a jarring reminder of the challenges he faces beyond the pizza reviews and sports commentary. It adds a layer of complexity to his public persona-a man who thrives on boldness and confrontation but who also endures the harsh realities of prejudice and hate.
What Comes Next?
As the investigation continues, the case against McClintock will be closely watched. The potential for enhanced penalties if bias motivation is proven could set a precedent for how hate speech and disruptive behavior are handled in public spaces.
For Portnoy, the incident is likely to deepen his resolve to speak out against anti-Semitism and to use his platform to raise awareness. His willingness to confront the heckler on camera showed a refusal to be silenced or intimidated, turning a moment of hate into a statement of resilience.
A Moment That Resonates
This viral anti-Semitic attack and the swift arrest that followed are more than just a news story. They are a vivid chapter in the ongoing struggle against hate in America. For Dave Portnoy, it is a personal battle played out on a public stage, reminding us all that the fight against bigotry is far from over.
The drama that unfolded in Starkville is a potent mix of celebrity, controversy, and cultural conflict — a story that captivates, disturbs, and ultimately challenges us to confront the ugly realities lurking beneath the surface of everyday life.
References: Dave Portnoy's Alleged Heckler Arrested and Charged in Mississippi | Man Accused of Hurling Antisemitic Comments at Dave Portnoy During Pizza Review Is Arrested | Miss. State University student arrested for allegedly hurling antisemitic comment at Dave Portnoy
