Full Breakdown
Controversies Surrounding Dave Portnoy: Cheating Allegations and Antisemitism
11/17/2025, 1:57:24 AM
Cheating Allegations at the Internet Invitational
The $1 million Internet Invitational, hosted by Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, concluded with significant controversy involving two separate cheating allegations during the final round. The event featured a three-on-three alternate shot match with competitors Brad Dalke, Francis Ellis, and Cody "Beef" Franke facing off against Paige Spiranac, Frankie Borrelli, and Malosi "Mo" Togisala. Spiranac was accused of improving Togisala's lie by manipulating the grass on the ninth hole, which she denied, stating, “I didn’t realize you couldn’t do that. I wasn’t trying to cheat.” The situation escalated as Peter Finch, a player eliminated earlier in the tournament, witnessed the incident and raised concerns among the other eliminated players.
The second controversy involved Togisala, who was suspected of using the slope function on his rangefinder, which Portnoy had deemed illegal prior to the tournament. Despite Togisala's denial, footage showed him adjusting the device just before officials were set to inspect it. The match ultimately concluded with Dalke, Ellis, and Franke winning after Borrelli bladed a chip shot into the water on the 18th hole. The event was marked by emotional tributes to Franke, who had passed away the previous month.
Antisemitic Incident in Starkville
In a separate incident, Portnoy faced antisemitic abuse while filming a "One Bite" pizza review in Starkville, Mississippi. A 20-year-old former Mississippi State University student, Patrick McClintock, was recorded shouting antisemitic slurs and throwing coins at Portnoy. Following the incident, McClintock was charged with disturbing the peace, a misdemeanor, and subsequently raised over $38,000 through a fundraiser on the crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo, which has been criticized for hosting campaigns linked to extremist causes.
The fundraiser's description framed McClintock as a victim of a "double standard" regarding free speech, while also containing antisemitic undertones. Portnoy, who is Jewish, expressed his concern over the rising tide of antisemitism, stating, “I’ve seen in my own experience... it’s every day now. Like, there’s a definitive shift in what’s going on.” He noted that the incident reflects a broader societal issue exacerbated by social media, which he described as a "cesspool" that enables hate speech and intimidation.
Official Responses and Criticism
Portnoy's experiences have drawn attention to the increasing prevalence of antisemitism in the U.S., with the Anti-Defamation League reporting a record number of antisemitic incidents in 2024. In response to the Starkville incident, the Starkville Police Department emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety, stating, “Offensive words alone are protected, but when behavior disrupts a public event or risks violence, we will take steps to help maintain safety and security.”
Critics of the fundraiser have pointed out its reliance on racist rhetoric and misinformation, with organizations like Endjewhatred calling for equal consequences for all forms of hate speech. Portnoy has also faced backlash for his past remarks and the culture surrounding Barstool Sports, which some argue contributes to a hostile environment for marginalized groups.
Conclusion
The controversies surrounding Dave Portnoy highlight the intersection of sports, social media, and societal issues, particularly regarding cheating in competitive events and the rise of antisemitism. As these incidents unfold, they underscore the need for accountability and dialogue in addressing hate and maintaining integrity in both sports and public discourse.
