A 20-year-old Mississippi State University student was arrested and charged with disturbing the peace after allegedly shouting an antisemitic slur at Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy during a public pizza review, leading to his voluntary withdrawal from the university. The incident has sparked discussions on hate speech and public safety.
The confrontation occurred on Friday outside Boardtown Pizza & Pints in Starkville, Mississippi, where Portnoy was filming one of his famed “One Bite” pizza reviews ahead of the Mississippi State vs. University of Georgia football game. A viral video shows Patrick McClintock, 20, yelling “F*** the Jews” at Portnoy, who is Jewish, before Portnoy gestured for him to come closer. McClintock then approached the camera crew, engaging in a brief face-to-face exchange before walking away, with bystanders heard condemning the remark.
Following the video’s circulation, the Starkville Police Department became aware of the incident and issued an arrest warrant for McClintock over the weekend. On Monday, he was taken into custody, charged with misdemeanor disturbing the peace, and processed at the police station. McClintock was released after his bond was set at $2,500, according to police officials.
McClintock, a junior mechanical engineering major at Mississippi State University, voluntarily withdrew from the institution on Monday afternoon, as confirmed by a university spokesperson. His departure was swift, occurring just hours after his arrest, underscoring the university’s commitment to a respectful academic environment. The university has not commented further on the matter.
Dave Portnoy, in a preview of an interview with CBS, stated that he deals with antisemitic attacks “every day” and observed a “definitive shift” in such behavior nationally. He reflected on increased hate directed at him, contrasting it with past experiences. This incident echoes a similar event in Toronto months prior, where he was targeted with identical slurs during another review.
The Starkville Police Department released a statement emphasizing that while offensive words are protected speech, actions that disrupt public events or risk violence warrant intervention. They are investigating whether the incident qualifies for enhanced penalties under state laws addressing bias-motivated crimes. The department aims to maintain safety and security in the community.
This case highlights broader issues of antisemitism and public harassment, particularly against media figures. It may influence how institutions handle similar incidents and could lead to increased awareness and policies against hate speech. The quick legal and academic responses demonstrate a growing intolerance for such behavior in public spaces.
