Dave Portnoy responds to antisemitic message at Barstool Sansom Street in Philly

Dave Portnoy is at the center of controversy again — but this time, it’s not about pizza reviews, gambling takes, or chirping at Boston sports fans. Over the weekend, Portnoy was “shaking” with rage after discovering an antisemitic sign was displayed at his Philadelphia bar, Barstool Sansom Street, as part of a bottle service request. And rightfully so — the message was disgusting.

The sign, which quickly made its rounds on social media, was allegedly ordered by a group of Temple University students and read, “Fuck the Jews.” Since then, at least one student has been placed on interim suspension, and Temple president John Fry issued a public statement denouncing the incident.

Dave Portnoy took to social media with one of his classic “emergency press conferences,” where he made it clear he wasn’t brushing this off. He said he contacted the offenders directly and, rather than going nuclear, decided on something he called a “teaching moment.” His plan? Send the students to tour Auschwitz and other concentration camps in Germany so they can see firsthand the weight of their words.

Portnoy’s Emergency Presser:

Emergency Press Conference – I’m sending the people who ordered the “Fuck Jews” signs at my bar to Auschwitz to learn about the Holocaust. Rather than ruin a couple 20 year olds
lives maybe this can be used as a teaching moment pic.twitter.com/sci4hBPBFA

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) May 4, 2025

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And look, we don’t condone hate speech — not now, not ever. This kind of behavior is vile and has no place in a Philly bar, on a college campus, or anywhere else. Dave Portnoy was absolutely right to fire the servers who complied with the request. If you’re in hospitality and you write something like that on a sign — even if it’s a joke — you don’t belong in the business. Period.

But Let’s Talk Legal Grounds — Can Dave Portnoy Actually Do Anything Beyond Firing People?

Here’s where it gets murky. As upsetting and idiotic as this display was, there doesn’t seem to be any legal grounds to prosecute the students or anyone else involved — unless something more serious (like threats or incitement) surfaces during the investigation.

It’s offensive speech, but it’s still protected speech under the First Amendment. The Philadelphia police are investigating, and the ADL has chimed in, but unless criminal mischief, harassment, or another actual crime occurred, this likely won’t lead to charges.

Dave Portnoy can — and should — take action as a business owner. Fire staff. Ban patrons. Make a statement. Use the platform. But let’s not pretend this is a slam dunk for legal action. At best, it’s a teachable moment, as Portnoy himself acknowledged. At worst, it’s another example of the fine (and frustrating) line between free speech and hate speech in this country.

There’s no question Portnoy was blindsided and genuinely rattled by what happened at Barstool Sansom Street. And in a rare moment of restraint, he opted for education over total annihilation. Sending these kids to Auschwitz might sound extreme, but honestly, it’s probably more impactful than any suspension or PR apology could ever be.

Just don’t confuse moral outrage with legal standing. Because no matter how repulsive the message was — and it was — freedom of speech still applies.