Dave Portnoy heckler arrested after being accused of antisemitic actions

A 20-year-old Mississippi man has been arrested following an antisemitic outburst directed at Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, according to TMZ Sports. The incident occurred outside a pizza shop in Starkville, Mississippi, where Portnoy was filming one of his popular “One Bite” reviews ahead of the Mississippi State vs. Georgia football game.

Police say the suspect, identified as Patrick McClintock, allegedly threw coins and yelled “F*** the Jews” at Portnoy during the recording. Brandon Lovelady, the Public Information Officer for the Starkville Police Department, confirmed to TMZ that McClintock was arrested on Monday and charged with disturbing the peace.

Authorities had issued an arrest warrant after the video of the incident went viral last Friday: “Every person has the right to feel safe and respected in our community,” Lovelady said. “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.”

Police also noted that Mississippi law allows for enhanced penalties if the court determines that the actions meet the criteria for bias-motivated or discriminatory reasons, adding that the case remains under investigation. McClintock was processed and released shortly after his arrest, with his mug shot showing him staring blankly into the camera while wearing a button-down shirt.

Portnoy, who has faced frequent criticism throughout his career, told CBS Sunday Morning that the incident reflects a troubling rise in antisemitism he’s personally experienced: “It’s every day now. Like, there’s a definitive shift in what’s going on,” he told Tony Dokoupil in an interview set to air Nov. 16.

“… For me, being a Jewish person, you’ve got to step up. 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.’”

The Barstool Sports founder has often used his platform to call out critics and address social issues directly, but this encounter struck a personal chord. Portnoy has continued filming despite the incident, though he’s acknowledged the weight of the matter.

The full CBS Sunday Morning interview will air next Sunday. It’ll offer a closer look at Portnoy’s reaction, and his perspective on the increasing wave of antisemitic behavior across the country.