Renowned Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is facing backlash after making a controversial joke about Pete Carroll, the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, following a loss to the Denver Broncos. In a viral clip shared on Instagram, Portnoy vented his frustration over losing a sports bet as he watched the game end.
Expressing his anger, Portnoy exclaimed, “Pete Carroll should be in prison. Prison for Pete Carroll. Murder Pete Carroll. I want Pete Carroll murdered.” He also criticized the referees, calling for an investigation into their decisions during the game.
Interestingly, Portnoy’s disappointment stemmed from the fact that the Broncos did not win by a margin large enough to cover his bet. The final score of 24–17 fell short of what he needed to win his wager. Fans, along with Portnoy, believed the game should have ended differently, as a penalty on a Broncos player allowed the Raiders to score a last-second field goal.
Despite betting odds favoring the Broncos to win by at least 8.5 points, they only won by seven, resulting in a loss for those who bet on them to cover the spread. The game’s final combined score of 41 also hit the over, a prediction that the total points scored would exceed the sportsbook’s set number.
In response to the criticism, Portnoy clarified that his remarks were not meant to incite physical harm but were a representation of his frustration over a costly game outcome. He emphasized that he does not condone violence based on sports decisions.
Overall, Portnoy’s controversial comments sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some questioning the appropriateness of his words. Despite the intense emotions surrounding the game and the bet, the incident serves as a reminder of the passion and unpredictability of sports betting.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.