Imagine enjoying a slice of pizza, only to have your day disrupted by a hateful outburst. On a seemingly ordinary Friday in Starkville, Mississippi, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy found himself on the receiving end of an alleged antisemitic slur during a public pizza review. This incident has sparked outrage and led to serious consequences for the young man involved.
A 20-year-old junior at Mississippi State University, Patrick McClintock, was arrested on Monday after allegedly shouting a vile antisemitic comment at Portnoy while filming his popular “One Bite” pizza review outside Boardtown Pizza & Pints.
The troubling event unfolded last Friday, when McClintock reportedly yelled an offensive remark at Portnoy, a moment captured in a viral video that has since spread like wildfire across social media. It’s the kind of behavior that makes you wonder if some folks have forgotten basic decency in the name of getting attention. While free speech is a cornerstone of our values, crossing into hate-filled territory is a line no one should applaud.
After the remark, Portnoy didn’t back down, gesturing for McClintock to approach and even jeering, “Why don’t you come in the camera, buddy?” as reported in the viral footage. Talk about calling out bad behavior on the spot—Portnoy’s response was a masterclass in not letting nonsense slide. But McClintock allegedly did come closer for a face-to-face exchange before ultimately walking away.
The crowd wasn’t having it either, with one unidentified person shouting, “F–k you, get out of here,” toward McClintock after the incident, as heard in the video. If that doesn’t show community disgust for such remarks, what does? It’s a small but telling sign that most folks still value respect over cheap shots.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Portnoy has faced such ugliness, as a similar antisemitic outburst occurred over the summer during a review in Toronto. It’s a sad reminder that some individuals think spewing hate is a substitute for wit. When will people learn that words carry weight, especially in a public setting?
By the weekend, a warrant was issued for McClintock’s arrest, and on Monday, Starkville Police took him into custody on a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace. The charge might sound minor, but it’s a clear signal that actions have consequences, even for college kids who think they’re just “joking.”
McClintock was processed and released after his bond was set at $2,500, according to police reports confirmed by the Reflector, Mississippi State University’s student newspaper. A pricey lesson for a moment of poor judgment, wouldn’t you say? It’s a reminder that a fleeting outburst can cost more than just your reputation.
Adding to the fallout, McClintock voluntarily withdrew from Mississippi State University on Monday afternoon, as confirmed by a university spokesperson. Whether this was a personal decision or pressure from the institution, it’s a stark consequence for behavior that clashes with the values most campuses claim to uphold.
The Starkville Police Department, while not immediately responding to requests for comment from other outlets, did state the Reflector emphasizing community safety. They noted, “Every person has the right to feel safe and respected in our community.” It’s a basic principle, yet one that needs repeating when incidents like this rear their ugly head.
In the same statement, the police clarified their stance on free speech versus public disruption, saying, “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.” Here’s the rub—free speech isn’t a free pass to harass or intimidate, a distinction the progressive crowd often glosses over in their rush to defend every utterance.
This incident shines a light on a broader cultural issue: the growing normalization of hateful rhetoric under the guise of “speaking your mind.” While the left might cry censorship at every turn, there’s a difference between honest debate and targeted venom—something conservative values of personal responsibility should always call out.
Portnoy’s experience isn’t isolated, and it’s worth noting the frustration he’s expressed about the uptick in such attacks. It’s disheartening to see someone targeted for their heritage while simply doing their job, whether you agree with Portnoy’s politics or not. This isn’t about silencing anyone; it’s about maintaining a baseline of civility.
For McClintock, the consequences are already piling up—legal trouble, public backlash, and now stepping away from his education. It’s a tough but necessary wake-up call that actions, especially in the digital age, aren’t easily erased. Perhaps this will serve as a cautionary tale for others tempted to let hate slip from their lips.
As a society, we must grapple with balancing free expression and the responsibility to foster a respectful community, without bowing to the woke mob’s overreach or excusing genuine malice. Incidents like this in Starkville are a reminder that words matter, and so does accountability. Let’s hope lessons are learned before the next viral video forces us to have this conversation all over again.
