Secret of Patrick McClintock: 20-Year-Old Arrested After Dave Portnoy Heckling Incident in Starkville

Patrick McClintock, a 20-year-old Mississippi State University student, was arrested after a viral antisemitic outburst targeting Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy outside Boardtown Pizza & Pints in Starkville, Mississippi. The incident took place on November 8, 2025, during Portnoy’s “One Bite” pizza review filming and quickly spread online.

Police confirmed on Monday, November 10, that McClintock was charged with disturbing the peace and released on a $2,500 bond. Authorities are investigating whether Mississippi’s hate crime laws could apply, potentially elevating the case to a felony offense.

Patrick McClintock’s Arrest Details and Police Response

According to Starkville Police Department spokesperson Sgt. G. Brandon Lovelady, McClintock approached Portnoy’s crew aggressively and threw coins while shouting antisemitic slurs. The episode was recorded and shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Barstool staff member @KirkMinihane, gathering more than 2 million views within 24 hours.

“Every person has the right to feel safe and respected in our community,” Sgt. Lovelady told local media. He emphasized that while free speech is protected, disorderly or violent conduct is not. The department has confirmed it is reviewing whether bias-motivated conduct laws apply under Mississippi statutes.

Mississippi State University verified McClintock’s enrollment as a mechanical engineering junior but declined further comment pending the police investigation. Campus forums and The Reflector, MSU’s student newspaper, described the episode as “embarrassing” and “unrepresentative of the student body.”

Viral Fallout and Public Reaction

The altercation, occurring before MSU’s football game against Georgia, sparked widespread backlash. Portnoy, 48, addressed the incident on CBS Sunday Morning, stating that antisemitic heckling has become “every day now.” Public figures and social media users condemned the act, with some commentators describing McClintock as a “groyping extremist.”

Legal experts, including University of Mississippi law professor William McGinley, noted that the act of throwing coins could be considered assault with a projectile, which might support a bias enhancement. The case has reignited national conversation on the rising trend of antisemitic harassment across U.S. campuses and public events.

Broader Impact and Next Steps

Data from the Anti-Defamation League shows a 140% increase in antisemitic incidents year-over-year. Portnoy, who has faced similar abuse in the past, attended an NFL game with Patriots owner Robert Kraft over the weekend, where the two called for stronger community accountability through Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism.

McClintock, who has no prior record, is expected to appear before Oktibbeha County Justice Court in December. As Starkville police and university officials continue their respective investigations, the episode underscores how quickly hate-driven incidents can go viral and trigger serious legal and reputational consequences.

Patrick McClintock’s case remains under review as officials decide whether hate crime charges will be added. The viral incident has become a national talking point about free speech limits and accountability in the social media era.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Patrick McClintock?

Patrick McClintock is a 20-year-old mechanical engineering junior at Mississippi State University who was arrested for disturbing the peace after an antisemitic outburst at Dave Portnoy in Starkville.

Q2: What did Patrick McClintock do during the incident?

He allegedly shouted antisemitic slurs and threw coins at Portnoy during the filming of a pizza review, leading to his arrest by Starkville Police.

Q3: Could this case be treated as a hate crime?

Yes. Authorities are reviewing the event to determine if Mississippi’s hate crime statutes apply, which could elevate the charges to a felony.

Q4: What was Dave Portnoy’s response?

Portnoy remained calm during the incident and later said antisemitic harassment has become “every day now.” He has since called for greater public accountability.

Q5: When will Patrick McClintock appear in court?

He is expected to appear in Oktibbeha County Justice Court in December 2025, where potential hate crime enhancements could be discussed.