Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, expressed outrage over an anti-Semitic incident at one of his company’s bars in Philadelphia, where two men displayed a “F-Jew” sign. He stated he would send them to Auschwitz as a form of punishment, aiming to address the situation after a video surfaced on social media showing the sign being flaunted amidst a lively atmosphere.
Initially, Portnoy vowed to “destroy these people” involved in the incident, but later, he seemed to reconsider. “These young kids, they’re just drunk. Do we really want to ruin their lives over this?” he pondered, reflecting on the broader issues of hatred and prejudice. He mentioned that in his years with Barstool, he has seen a troubling increase in anti-Semitism.
Portnoy remarked on the irrationality of hatred towards groups, saying, “You hate my parents, my grandparents—it’s just nuts.” He aimed to transform the incident into a moment of learning for those involved, suggesting that both parties could benefit from this unfortunate experience.
He disclosed that he had spoken with the individuals responsible, and they were open to the idea of visiting Auschwitz for educational purposes. “They agreed to go. This isn’t just for punishment but a way to really understand the gravity of the Holocaust,” he commented, hoping this could lead to a more meaningful change.
Portnoy also noted that two waitresses associated with the incident have since been fired, underlining his commitment to addressing the matter seriously. While he highlighted the severity of anti-Semitism, he acknowledged a significant rise in such incidents, especially following recent conflicts impacting Israel.
