Dave Portnoy, known for his candid sports takes and especially his brutally honest pizza reviews, recently found himself the target of a shocking and hateful outburst.
While filming a review outside a pizza restaurant in Starkville, Mississippi, during a college football game, Portnoy was confronted by a young man whose words cut far deeper than any critique of a pepperoni slice.
The incident, captured on video, shows 20-year-old Patrick McClintock allegedly shouting obscenities laced with antisemitism directly at Portnoy, who is Jewish. The verbal attack escalated when McClintock threw coins at him.
Portnoy, unflinching, challenged his aggressor to step forward and confront him on camera. The camera then focused on McClintock, who continued his tirade, demanding Portnoy leave Starkville.
A wave of apologies and condemnation immediately rose from the surrounding crowd, quickly drowning out the hateful voice. Portnoy, remarkably composed, acknowledged the incident, stating that “aholes” exist everywhere.
He also emphasized the supportive reaction from those present, noting that everyone around him rebuked the student’s behavior. The video quickly spread online, prompting a swift response from authorities.
The Starkville Police Department launched an investigation after becoming aware of the circulating video. They issued a statement affirming everyone’s right to safety and respect within the community.
The police department clarified that while offensive speech is protected, actions that disrupt public order or threaten violence will not be tolerated. They also highlighted the possibility of enhanced penalties under Mississippi law for bias-motivated crimes.
McClintock was subsequently arrested on a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace. Following the widespread attention, he voluntarily withdrew from Mississippi State University, where he was a mechanical engineering student.
This incident isn’t isolated. Earlier this year, Portnoy addressed another antisemitic act at a Barstool Sports bar in Philadelphia. A student displayed a sign with a hateful message while receiving bottle service.
Portnoy’s response was immediate and forceful. He proposed a sobering educational experience for those involved – a visit to Auschwitz, the infamous Nazi concentration camp, to confront the horrors of the Holocaust.
He made it clear that any staff member who allowed the incident to occur was immediately terminated. Portnoy consistently demonstrates a commitment to confronting antisemitism and turning appalling situations into opportunities for learning and understanding.
