Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, made headlines when he announced plans to send individuals involved in a controversial incident to Auschwitz. This decision came after a group at a Barstool bar in Center City, Philadelphia, ordered a sign that read “F*** the Jews.” Portnoy, who is Jewish himself, expressed his outrage and concern over the incident during an emergency press conference.
In his address, Portnoy described his initial reaction as one of intense anger, saying he was “boiling” when he first heard about the sign. However, after reflecting on the situation, he decided against taking harsh actions that could ruin the lives of the young people responsible. He emphasized that they were likely just drunk and acting foolishly, and he wanted to find a more constructive way to address their behavior.
Portnoy stated that he would arrange a trip for the individuals who ordered the sign to Auschwitz, the infamous concentration camp from World War II. He hopes that this experience will serve as an educational moment, allowing them to learn about the Holocaust and the impact of their actions. “They’ve agreed to go,” he mentioned, adding that he had communicated with their families about the trip. Portnoy believes that this approach could lead to a better understanding of antisemitism, which he noted has become more prevalent in recent years.
In his press conference, he also revealed that the two waitresses who facilitated the sign request had been fired from their jobs. Portnoy’s decision to focus on education rather than punishment highlights a desire to confront hate with knowledge and understanding. He hopes that by visiting Auschwitz, the young people involved will think twice before making such hurtful choices in the future.