by Starkville, Mississippi — A 20-year-old college student has been arrested in Mississippi after allegedly making antisemitic comments toward Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, during one of his popular “One Bite” pizza review videos. The incident, which sparked outrage both locally and online, led to a charge of disturbing the peace, according to authorities.
Incident During Pizza Review
The Starkville Police Department (SPD) confirmed that the suspect, Patrick McClintock, was identified after a video circulated on social media showing a man yelling antisemitic remarks and throwing coins at Portnoy outside a local business in Starkville. The confrontation occurred on Friday, November 7, 2025, while Portnoy was filming a pizza review segment.
Police issued a warrant for McClintock over the weekend, and he was formally charged on Monday, November 10, according to the SPD statement. Authorities said McClintock’s behavior disrupted the public setting and created a disturbance that warranted legal action.
Suspect Identified as Mississippi State Student
According to The Reflector, the Mississippi State University student newspaper, McClintock is a junior mechanical engineering major at the university. The publication confirmed that the 20-year-old was taken into custody and later released after processing.
University officials have not yet commented on whether McClintock will face disciplinary action under the school’s code of conduct. However, Mississippi State University reiterated its commitment to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment for all students.
Police Condemn Hate-Based Behavior
In its public statement, the Starkville Police Department emphasized that while free speech is protected under the Constitution, actions that escalate into harassment or risk violence will not be tolerated.
“Every person has the right to feel safe and respected in our community,” the department 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.”
Authorities also noted that Mississippi law allows courts to impose enhanced penalties if a violation is determined to have been motivated by bias or discrimination. The investigation remains ongoing to determine whether McClintock’s actions meet the criteria for hate-based enhancement.
Portnoy Responds to Growing Antisemitism
Dave Portnoy, who is Jewish, has not publicly commented on the arrest but spoke recently to CBS Sunday Morning about the rising frequency of antisemitism he experiences. The interview, recorded before the Starkville incident, sheds light on the broader issue.
“It’s every day now,” Portnoy said during the interview. “There’s a definitive shift in what’s going on.”
The Barstool Sports founder, best known for his unfiltered reviews and outspoken personality, has used his platform to discuss antisemitism and online harassment in the past. Many fans and public figures have since expressed solidarity with him following this latest incident.
Community Reactions
The Starkville community and social media users have reacted strongly to the video, with many calling for accountability and greater education on hate-related behavior. Supporters of Portnoy have praised law enforcement for responding quickly to the situation, while others have urged the university to take a firm stance against discriminatory conduct.
Local residents expressed concern that such incidents reflect a larger cultural problem and have urged community leaders to foster dialogue and understanding to prevent similar acts in the future.
Share Your Thoughts
The arrest of Patrick McClintock highlights ongoing tensions surrounding antisemitism and hate speech in the U.S.
Do you think universities and local authorities should take harsher actions against hate-motivated incidents?
Share your thoughts in the comments below — your perspective helps keep conversations about respect, inclusion, and accountability alive. 💬
