Mississippi Man Charged After Allegedly Throwing Coins and Making Anti-Semitic Remarks at Dave Portnoy Outside Pizza Shop
STARKVILLE, Miss. — A 20-year-old Mississippi man has been arrested after allegedly throwing coins and shouting anti-Semitic remarks at Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy outside a pizza restaurant in Starkville over the weekend.
According to the Starkville Police Department, the suspect, identified as Patrick McClintock, was taken into custody and charged with disturbing the peace following the incident. Police say the remarks targeted Jewish people and disrupted a public setting where Portnoy was speaking with others outside the restaurant.
Incident Caught Attention of Local Authorities
Police reports indicate that McClintock approached the outdoor seating area near the pizza shop and began shouting slurs and tossing coins, allegedly while making statements perceived as threatening and hateful.
Officers were called shortly after witnesses reported the disturbance. Responding officers detained McClintock nearby and transported him to the Oktibbeha County Jail, where he was later charged.
“This kind of conduct has no place in our city,” said Sgt. G. Brandon Lovelady of the Starkville Police Department. “Every person has the right to feel safe and respected in our community.”
Police Emphasize Limits of Protected Speech
Authorities clarified that while offensive language alone may fall under free speech protections, physical acts and verbal disruptions in public areas cross the line into criminal behavior.
“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,” Lovelady explained.
National Attention Drawn to Incident
The alleged confrontation has drawn national attention after TMZ first reported the incident, highlighting the growing concern over public displays of hate speech and harassment.
Dave Portnoy, who founded Barstool Sports and later launched the “One Bite Pizza” review series, has not released a formal statement on the matter. However, online reactions quickly spread after footage surfaced of the confrontation, showing officers responding near the restaurant’s patio area.
Community Leaders Condemn Hate Speech
Jewish advocacy organizations and community leaders have condemned the behavior, calling it a reminder of the increasing incidents of hate-based harassment nationwide.
“We must continue to stand against antisemitism in all forms,” one local resident wrote on social media. “There’s no excuse for this kind of public intimidation.”
McClintock was later released from custody pending a court appearance. If convicted, he faces fines and potential jail time under Mississippi’s laws regarding disorderly conduct and hate-based intimidation.
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