Key Highlights
- A 20-year-old student was charged with disturbing the peace after making antisemitic remarks towards Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy.
- The incident occurred during a pizza review by Portnoy at Boardtown Pizza & Pints in Starkville, Mississippi.
- Mississippi State University had to address the negative impact of the video on its campus culture and values.
- A hate-crime enhancement could be added to the case due to the antisemitic nature of the remarks.
Incident Overview at Mississippi State University
In a shocking incident that unfolded during Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy’s pizza review in Starkville, Mississippi, a 20-year-old student was charged with disturbing the peace and making antisemitic remarks. The video of the confrontation, posted to Portnoy’s Instagram account, showed the suspect hurling hateful slurs at him. According to local police reports, the man can be heard shouting: “Hey, f— the Jews. F— you, Dave Portnoy,” before being confronted by patrons and pushed away.
Details of the Confrontation
The confrontation took place outside Boardtown Pizza & Pints in Starkville, a city with a population of around 25,000, approximately 140 miles west of Birmingham, Alabama. Police confirmed that the suspect was charged and processed on Monday, without clear information about his legal representation or if he had voluntarily withdrawn from Mississippi State University following the incident.
In response to the video, Mississippi State spokesperson Sid Salter acknowledged the negative impact it had on the university’s culture and values. “What happened on video didn’t reflect the culture and values of the university,” said Salter in a statement.
Background and Context
Dave Portnoy has been a vocal critic of campus protests against Israel, particularly following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel. His involvement in such controversies has made him a target for antisemitic rhetoric online. In May 2025, two servers at Barstool Sansom Street in Philadelphia were terminated after delivering an antisemitic sign to customers, despite Portnoy’s initial belief that it was more of a practical joke.
Legal and Societal Implications
The case is being reviewed for potential hate-crime enhancements. “The State of Mississippi allows courts to impose enhanced penalties if a violation meets the criteria for bias-motivated or discriminatory reasons,” said Starkville Police Department in their statement. The Endjewhatred nonprofit organization has also called for hate crime charges against the suspect, stating that he should face the same level of prosecution as other minority communities.
The incident highlights the broader rise in antisemitism across America and reflects concerns about online rhetoric fueling real-world incidents. “This reflects the broader rise in antisemitism across America today,” said the American Jewish Committee, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and action against such hate crimes.
