Ohio State releases statement on reported Dave Portnoy ban, FOX Big Noon Kickoff

On Monday, Front Office Sports reported Ohio State had banned Barstool Sports‘ founder Dave Portnoy from entering its stadium for Big Noon Kickoff‘s coverage of the Buckeyes’ Week 1 showdown against No. 1 Texas. Ohio State refuted this report Tuesday morning and released a statement providing more details on the situation.

“Ohio State routinely holds planning meetings with media partners and provides input regarding broadcast set-up, kickoff times and other matters,” the statement read. “During planning meetings with FOX regarding Big Noon Kickoff’s visit to campus this week, FOX representatives informed the department that the only talent who would be inside Ohio Stadium for the last hour of the show would be their main set/desk talent team.

“This group comprises their halftime and post-game shows, as well. They informed us that David Portnoy is not part of their ‘main desk’ crew. Ohio State did not ban anyone from our stadium.”

In July, Portnoy announced Barstool Sports had struck a partnership with FOX Sports. As part of the deal, Portnoy is joining FOX Sports’ weekly pregame show, Big Noon Kickoff, as a co-host.

FOX Sports reportedly hopes for Portnoy, who is a well-known Michigan fan, to bring a heightened level of entertainment to the show, similar to the way Pat McAfee has energized ESPN’s College GameDay. Evidently, Portnoy will have to attempt to achieve this goal from outside the stadiums of the teams that Big Noon Kickoff is covering.

“A Big Ten spokesperson tells @YahooSports that it is the league’s understanding from Fox that Dave Portnoy will not appear on Big Noon Kickoff’s main stage inside the stadium of any conference school this year,” Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported on Tuesday.

Per Dellenger, Portnoy won’t be entering any stadiums with the Big Noon Kickoff crew because he isn’t considered part of the main desk. Portnoy didn’t point this out himself and instead fed into the report on Monday evening by jokingly posting a picture of himself with a fake mustache, seemingly insinuating he would sneak inside Ohio Stadium.

Former Michigan assistant Conor Stalions added fuel to the fire, responding to Portnoy, “You need tickets?” While Portnoy won’t enter Ohio Stadium as part of Big Noon Kickoff on Aug. 30, he’ll undoubtedly make his presence felt.

With or without Portnoy in the stadium, Ohio State and Texas will square off at noon ET on Saturday. The game will air live on FOX.