Barstool Sports is no stranger to controversy. This week the rambunctious sports media brand found itself in the headlines yet again.
Rather than actually doing something provocative, as is in their nature, this time Barstool found itself in hot water for fending off an attack from someone else.
During a Q & A session on social media, hockey commentator Gord Miller was asked if he would ever consider appearing on an extremely popular Barstool Sports podcast.
His response raised some eyebrows.
I like those guys a lot, but anything to do with Barstool is a no-go for me. https://t.co/W5l3IjmgIC
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) March 16, 2021
Naturally, that led to some strong reactions – prompting this eventual follow-up.
My comment today about not wanting to associate with Barstool Sports has prompted a lot of texts/emails/calls. The response has been incredibly positive, especially from female/BIPOC colleagues who have been afraid to speak out about their issues with Barstool (and sites like it)
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) March 17, 2021
My problem with Barstool is the history of unapologetic misogyny, racism, xenophobia and the repeated condoning of non-consensual sex. If not wanting to associate with that makes me part of “cancel culture”, or constitutes “virtue signalling” or being “woke”, I’m OK with that.
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) March 17, 2021
As a public service, here are some alternative definitions of those terms, which are often used/misused in the public sphere:
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) March 17, 2021
“Virtue Signalling”: using one’s public platform (no matter how large or small) to set an example for others, and following through on that example in one’s own life.
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) March 17, 2021
And so no, I won’t “stick to sports” or “stay in my lane.” Sports is part of my life but not all of it, and the road I’m on has many, many lanes.
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) March 17, 2021
That in turn led to a response from Barstool boss and sex tape aficionado, Dave Portnoy.
Nobody should ever be afraid to publicly speak their mind. But when you do I’d suggest doing actual research before slandering an entire company with blatant lies.
Now comes the part where our fans become the bad guys because
they defend us from being called Nazis. https://t.co/DrQLGQW7RJ— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) March 17, 2021
I know people say I should ignore guys like @GMillerTSN But I’ll never be able to do that. Barstool is 20 years of my life’s work. I’m proud of it. I’m proud of our fans. He attacked everything I’m about. If you don’t fight back against that what do you fight back against?
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) March 17, 2021
Which led to a response from Miller.
If @stoolpresidente wants to point out where I lied about incidents of misogyny, racism, xenophobia and condoning non-consensual sex at Barstool, I’ll be happy to retract what I said. However, I did do my research, and there is plenty of evidence to back me up in each case. https://t.co/EGhR3x5zmI
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) March 17, 2021
Portnoy then replied:
I’d love to have a live conversation and go through every single accusation you made. Context 100% matters. Let me know when you want to do it @GMillerTSN https://t.co/LwrP8JUQ1Q
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) March 17, 2021
Just tried to dm you @GMillerTSN Let’s do this. Im ready whenever you are.
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) March 17, 2021
This is my dream. To get a blue checkmark in the ring with me to talk about their accusations. @GMillerTSN Let’s have a civil discussion. Let’s do it.
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) March 17, 2021
And that is where things currently stand.
Obviously Barstool’s many controversies speak for themselves. There was the infamous Colin Kaepernick debacle, the Suitman Saga of 2020, and that whole brouhaha with former President Donald Trump.
That said, the brand generally doesn’t shy away from discussing its past mistakes and faults.
Will Miller take Portnoy up on his offer to talk this through on a neutral playing field? Time will tell.
Kevin Durant doesn’t miss. https://t.co/gKmHI7yGne
— Game 7 (@game7__) March 14, 2021
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A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
