Key Highlights
- Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has increased his personal security due to online threats.
- A recent incident in Mississippi where a man was arrested for shouting antisemitic remarks and throwing coins at Portnoy highlights the issue.
- Portnoy emphasizes the need for heightened awareness of antisemitism, which he says has increased significantly over the past decade.
Security Measures and Personal Safety
In a recent interview with “CBS Mornings,” Barstool Sports President Dave Portnoy highlighted the increasing threats he faces both online and in his personal life. The entrepreneur, known for his outspoken and controversial opinions on social media, stated that he has become more aware of potential risks beyond just online abuse.
“You start getting into these yahoos on social media, and there’s, like, yahoos,” Portnoy said during the interview, referring to individuals who engage in abusive behavior. “I don’t even know what they’re saying. But they start talking about me, trying to get my name probably used because they’re just in this endless cycle of needing to stay in the news.”
Incident and Antisemitism
A recent incident outside a Mississippi restaurant where Portnoy was filming his famous “One Bite” pizza review further underscored the issue. An individual, identified as 20-year-old Patrick McClintock, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace after he was overheard shouting antisemitic remarks and throwing coins at Portnoy.
Starkville Police responded to the incident, stating that “Every person has the right to feel safe and respected in our community. Offensive words alone are protected, but when behavior disrupts a public event or risks violence, the Starkville Police Department will take steps to help maintain safety and security.” The police added that if such incidents meet certain criteria, they could impose enhanced penalties.
Portnoy’s Response and Future Concerns
In response to the incident, Portnoy installed round-the-clock security at his residence. He emphasized, “It only takes one,” highlighting the severity of even a single incident that can pose significant danger. Portnoy also pointed out the growing trend of antisemitism, noting an almost 900% increase in incidents over the past decade according to the Anti-Defamation League.
“For me, being a Jewish person, like, you got to step up,” he added. “You’re kind of someone people look up to in the Jewish community.
You have to be, like, ‘All right, this is not normal ha-ha with the guys. People are coming up with real hate.'” Portnoy’s increased security measures reflect his commitment to addressing these challenges and ensuring personal safety.
Barstool Sports, under the leadership of Dave Portnoy, continues to navigate the complexities of social media scrutiny and personal threats, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and proactive security measures in today’s digital age.
