Student arrested after disrupting Dave Portnoy pizza review in Starkville; police probe possible hate-crime enhancement
Patrick McClintock, 20, was arrested after allegedly shouting antisemitic slurs and throwing coins at Dave Portnoy during a filmed “One Bite” pizza review in Starkville; authorities charged him with disturbing the peace and are probing a possible hate-crime enhancement.
Key takeaways
- Arrest: Patrick McClintock, 20, was arrested on a misdemeanor disturbing-the-peace charge after the incident outside a Starkville pizza shop.
- Allegations: Video and witnesses say he shouted antisemitic slurs at Dave Portnoy and tossed coins during the One Bite review.
- Investigation: Starkville police are reviewing the incident for a potential hate-crime enhancement under Mississippi law.
- University action: McClintock voluntarily withdrew from Mississippi State University on Nov. 10, 2025, amid the fallout.
Arrest and charge
Starkville police identified 20-year-old Patrick McClintock as the man who interrupted Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy’s One Bite pizza review on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. According to law enforcement and local reports, McClintock allegedly shouted antisemitic slurs at Portnoy and threw coins toward him outside a pizza shop. The incident was recorded and widely shared online, prompting the department to open an investigation.
Charge: McClintock was booked on a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace, processed and later released. Investigators are assessing whether a hate-crime enhancement is appropriate under Mississippi law. (Source: Fox News.)
Video, witnesses and on-scene response
Footage shows the exchange while Portnoy filmed, and bystanders along with security staff intervened after the man allegedly told Portnoy to “get the f— out of Starkville” and hurled coins. Authorities say the video and witness accounts were key to identifying McClintock and making the arrest. (Source: Fox News.)
University response and student status
Mississippi State University confirmed that McClintock voluntarily withdrew from the university on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, following the incident and ensuing public backlash. University and local officials reiterated the need for campus safety and noted that while protected speech exists, threats or violent conduct may carry legal consequences. (Source: Fox News.)
Hate-crime investigation and Mississippi law
Mississippi law allows for enhanced penalties if a crime is motivated by bias. Starkville police said investigators are reviewing video, witness statements, and any history that could indicate bias motivation to determine whether a hate-crime enhancement applies. As of the latest reporting, no additional charges beyond disturbing the peace have been filed and the investigation remains open. (Source: Fox News.)
Dave Portnoy’s reaction and national context
Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, condemned the incident and used the episode to highlight a broader rise in antisemitism. In a televised interview he discussed increasing personal security and referenced data showing a rise in antisemitic incidents documented by advocacy groups. (Source: CBS News.)
Community reaction and local officials
The incident attracted attention locally and nationally because it occurred in public and targeted a high-profile figure. Local leaders emphasized public safety and civil conduct: offensive speech can be protected, but when paired with threatening actions or behavior that disturbs the peace, legal consequences can follow. Officials said they will weigh all facts before pursuing additional charges. (Sources: Fox News; CBS News.)
Wider trend: antisemitism and online behavior
Experts say social media and online forums can accelerate hateful language and extremist views. High-visibility confrontations, like the Starkville episode, often prompt broader discussions about preventing bias-motivated harassment and protecting targeted communities. Advocacy groups such as the Anti-Defamation League track increases in reported antisemitic acts that many say require coordinated responses from law enforcement, campuses, and platforms. (Source: CBS News.)
Implications for San Diego
Economic and community safety: Local businesses and venues may review security and staff training to better handle disruptive incidents when public figures film on location. Strong de-escalation plans help protect customers and staff.
Political consequences: High-profile incidents can prompt policymakers to review hate-crime reporting, community outreach, and funding for safety programs even when the event occurs elsewhere.
Social effects and cultural relevance: San Diego’s Jewish and other minority communities may see the episode as part of a broader pattern, potentially increasing outreach between community institutions and law enforcement and sparking education campaigns about bias and bystander intervention.
Practical steps for residents and businesses:
- Report hateful or threatening incidents promptly to local police.
- Train staff on de-escalation and safe intervention procedures.
- Strengthen communication between community groups and law enforcement.
- Support programs that teach digital literacy and the link between online harassment and real-world harm.
Reporting and sources
This article is based on reporting from Fox News and CBS News, which covered the arrest, the widely shared video, and interviews with Dave Portnoy.
Authorities said the investigation remains active as they review video and witness statements to determine whether additional charges, including any hate-crime enhancements under Mississippi law, are appropriate.
