Dave Portnoy’s harasser charged with antisemitism and has withdrawn from school.
A Mississippi State University student has withdrawn from the institution following an incident involving the use of antisemitic slurs directed toward Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy at a local pizza establishment. Patrick McClintock, a 20-year-old junior majoring in mechanical engineering, made headlines after his derogatory remarks were captured on video while Portnoy filmed an episode of his popular “One Bite” pizza review show.
The incident occurred on Friday as Portnoy and his filming crew were in Starkville, Mississippi, to cover the weekend’s highly anticipated football game between Mississippi State and the University of Georgia. The following day, Mississippi State suffered a significant defeat, ending the game with a score of 41-21.
McClintock’s actions, which included shouting “F–k the Jews” and throwing coins at Portnoy, have resulted in more than just expulsion; he is now facing criminal charges for disturbing the peace. Reports from local media indicate that he was arrested but subsequently released. The potential for increased charges remains, with the court retaining the discretion to enhance the severity of the penalties based on the specifics of the case.
The university’s decision to accept McClintock’s withdrawal from enrollment came swiftly after the incident gained widespread attention, sparking additional discussions about rising antisemitism and hate speech within college campuses and broader society. In a reflective statement, Portnoy noted a disturbing trend, expressing that he has been encountering overt antisemitism increasingly in his daily interactions.
His remarks were made during a segment of “CBS Sunday Morning,” where he discussed the alarming normalization of such attitudes and behaviors in contemporary culture. The incident has raised critical awareness regarding the ongoing challenges of combating hate speech and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment within educational institutions.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Mississippi State community and the broader public will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and what measures might be taken to address issues of intolerance and harassment in the wake of this incident. The story underscores the urgent need for ongoing dialogue and education around antisemitism and related forms of discrimination in modern society.
