Starkville student arrested after antisemitic outburst disrupts Dave Portnoy pizza review; Mississippi State withdrawal follows
A Mississippi State student shouted antisemitic slurs and threw coins at Barstool founder Dave Portnoy during a live pizza review on Nov. 7; the student was arrested Nov. 10 and voluntarily withdrew from Mississippi State University.
- Incident: A 20-year-old student, Patrick McClintock, shouted antisemitic slurs and threw coins at Dave Portnoy during a public “One Bite” review; the episode went viral.
- Legal action: McClintock was arrested Nov. 10 and charged with disturbing the peace (misdemeanor); investigators are reviewing possible bias-related enhancements.
- University response: Mississippi State University confirmed the student voluntarily withdrew the same day charges were filed.
- Broader concerns: Portnoy has cited rising antisemitic threats and has increased private security; the ADL documents an uptick in antisemitic incidents nationally.
What happened
On the afternoon of Nov. 7 in Starkville, Mississippi, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy was filming a signature “One Bite” pizza review outside a local pizza shop when a confrontation erupted. Video posted to social media shows Patrick McClintock, 20, approaching the filming and shouting profanity-laced, antisemitic slurs while throwing coins toward Portnoy. When Portnoy attempted to engage, the heckler continued, and bystanders and security intervened. The footage quickly went viral.
See video coverage and reporting and related reporting at related reporting.
Arrest and charges
Timeline: Local law enforcement said they were alerted after the clip spread online. Starkville Police launched an investigation, obtained a warrant, and arrested McClintock on Nov. 10. He was charged with disturbing the peace, processed and released pending further proceedings.
“Investigators are reviewing video, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with prosecutors about whether bias-motivated enhancements apply,” police officials said.
Disturbing the peace is a misdemeanor that can carry fines or short jail terms. Authorities stressed the initial charge reflects what could be proved quickly while the investigation continues; no formal hate-crime enhancement had been announced at the time of reporting.
University response
Mississippi State University confirmed that McClintock voluntarily withdrew from the university on Nov. 10, the same day the charge was filed. University officials cited student-privacy rules and declined to release detailed disciplinary records. The withdrawal ends his campus status pending any future readmission or review.
The timing, combined with widespread attention, suggests significant pressure from peers, alumni and the public prompted rapid administrative action.
Broader context
Portnoy, who is Jewish, told CBS News he has felt a “definitive shift” in antisemitism and now faces threats that led him to hire round-the-clock security at his residence. The Anti-Defamation League has documented a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in recent years, a trend community leaders and law enforcement say requires vigilance.
The viral video underscores how quickly a local disturbance can become national news and raises questions about campus culture, student conduct, and whether prosecutors should pursue enhanced penalties for bias-motivated conduct under Mississippi law.
Implications for Paso Robles, California
Although the incident occurred in Starkville, it holds lessons for communities like Paso Robles:
- Economic impact: Viral incidents can affect local businesses’ reputations and foot traffic; restaurants should review security and PR protocols.
- Political consequences: The episode may surface in local debates about law, order and free speech, potentially shaping campaign messaging and policy discussions.
- Social effects: Community and faith leaders should coordinate outreach to reassure residents that hateful behavior is not tolerated.
- Practical steps: Train staff on de-escalation, use neighborhood associations to discuss security, and encourage reporting of threats to law enforcement.
A closer look for local leaders
Local elected officials, law enforcement chiefs and university administrators in the Central Coast region may study the Starkville response as a case example: rapid public exposure, swift police investigation, initial misdemeanor charges, and fast administrative action by the university. Clear protocols can protect public safety while respecting civil liberties and campus reputations.
Source note and coverage
This report is based on law-enforcement statements and publicly available footage. Reporting on the arrest and university response was confirmed by Fox News, and context about Portnoy’s security and rising antisemitic incidents came from CBS News. For full reporting see the linked coverage above.
