Former Mississippi State Student Arrested After Viral Antisemitic Outburst at Dave Portnoy Pizza Review
Patrick McClintock, 20, a former Mississippi State student, was arrested Nov. 10, 2025, after a viral Nov. 7 video showed him allegedly shouting antisemitic slurs and disrupting a filmed pizza review featuring Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy.
Key takeaways
- Who: Patrick McClintock, 20, a former Mississippi State University student.
- What: Arrested and charged with disturbing the peace after allegedly shouting antisemitic slurs and disrupting a filmed pizza review.
- Where/When: Outside a pizza shop in Starkville, Mississippi; incident on Nov. 7, 2025; arrest on Nov. 10, 2025.
- Legal note: Misdemeanor charge; investigators reviewing possible bias enhancement under state law.
What happened
A video that quickly went viral shows Starkville Police Department investigators say, of Patrick McClintock approaching a filmed “One Bite” pizza review featuring Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy on Nov. 7. In the footage, McClintock is heard shouting explicit antisemitic language — including, as authorities and witnesses reported,
“F— the Jews”
— and directing profanity at Portnoy, who is Jewish.
Witnesses also reported McClintock throwing coins at Portnoy and shouting, “Get the f— out of Starkville,” prompting bystanders and security staff to intervene. The viral spread of the video prompted local police to open an investigation after the footage circulated online.
Arrest and charges
On Monday, Nov. 10, police arrested McClintock and charged him with disturbing the peace, a misdemeanor covering behavior that disrupts public order or risks causing violence. Police emphasized that while offensive speech can be protected under the First Amendment, actions that disrupt public events or that risk violence fall within scope for criminal enforcement.
“Every person has the right to feel safe and respected in our community,” the department said.
Officials also said investigators are reviewing whether the conduct was motivated by bias. Under Mississippi law, crimes motivated by prejudice can carry enhanced penalties if prosecutors find sufficient evidence to allege a bias-motivated offense; that review is ongoing.
University response and withdrawal
Mississippi State University confirmed McClintock voluntarily withdrew from the university on Monday afternoon amid public backlash. The university said it is cooperating with local law enforcement and reiterated that it “does not tolerate harassment or violence” and takes campus safety seriously. See the university statement via Mississippi State University news.
Broader context: rising antisemitism
Civil-rights groups and campus watchdogs said the episode fits a troubling national pattern. The Anti-Defamation League has tracked a marked rise in antisemitic incidents over the past decade — ranging from online harassment to threats and physical attacks — and urges attention from law enforcement and campus officials.
Dave Portnoy’s reaction and security measures
Portnoy addressed the episode in an interview with CBS News, saying he has noticed a “definitive shift” in the level of antisemitism he encounters and that the abuse has become more frequent and more hateful. He told reporters,
“This is not normal ha-ha with the guys. People are coming up with real hate.”
In response, Portnoy has increased personal security measures, including 24/7 protection at his home, his team said, and Barstool Sports is cooperating with investigators.
Legal considerations: speech, actions and public safety
Legal experts note the U.S. Constitution protects many forms of hateful speech, but protection is not absolute. Speech that becomes threatening conduct, incites imminent lawless action, or creates a clear and present danger can be criminally sanctioned. In this incident, police cited the combination of abusive language and disruptive actions — such as throwing coins and creating a scene during a public filming — to justify a disturbing-the-peace charge.
Mississippi statutes allow prosecutors to seek bias-motivated enhancements if an underlying crime is proven and credible evidence supports that the act targeted a protected characteristic, such as religion. That determination typically relies on investigation of intent and corroborating evidence like video, social posts, or eyewitness accounts.
Local reaction in Starkville
Community members and local business owners near the scene said they were alarmed a filmed review could be interrupted by a hostile confrontation. Many echoed police comments that every person deserves to feel safe and respected in public spaces. Barstool Sports and Portnoy’s team have not announced private legal action beyond cooperating with law enforcement.
Why the video spread so fast
The incident drew national attention because it involved a high-profile online personality filming content in a college town. Portnoy’s “One Bite” reviews reach millions, and confrontations during public shoots often gain traction on social platforms. In the viral-video era, disruptive behavior can quickly trigger community censure, criminal probes, and institutional responses — as seen here.
Implications for California
Economic impact
Local businesses and restaurants that host content creators or public figures should review security plans for filmed events and consider measures to protect employees and customers. Incidents like this can deter visitors and harm reputations if harassment or violence occurs during public shoots.
Political consequences
The episode may influence California debates about campus safety, hate crimes, and free speech. Lawmakers could point to cases like Starkville to argue for clearer campus harassment policies, stronger protections for religious minorities, or tougher enforcement of bias-motivated statutes.
Social and cultural effects
California’s diverse communities may view the incident as a warning about how hate speech can spill into public spaces and target public figures. Campus administrators may use the episode as a case study when updating conduct codes, reporting procedures, and bias-response training.
Practical applications for residents and institutions
- Businesses: Review liability and security plans for public events and coordinate with local law enforcement for high-profile shoots.
- Campuses: Revisit student conduct codes and strengthen reporting and support systems for bias incidents.
- Law enforcement: Train officers on investigating incidents that spread online and on when to seek bias-motivated enhancements.
- Individuals: Report hate incidents to local authorities and civil-rights organizations so investigators can document trends and evaluate possible criminal conduct.
Sources and reporting notes
This article is based on statements from the Starkville Police Department and Mississippi State University news, coverage of the viral video, and public comments by Dave Portnoy to CBS News. Broader context on antisemitic incidents is drawn from the Anti-Defamation League. Reporting also referenced Barstool Sports.
- Starkville Police Department
- Mississippi State University news
- Anti-Defamation League
- CBS News
- Barstool Sports
Parent publication: Times Media Service
