Was Dave Portnoy banned from Ohio Stadium? What to know
Dave Portnoy. Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for SiriusXM
After reports circulated that Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff analyst, had been banned from Ohio Stadium, Ohio State officials have moved to set the record straight.
Athletic Director Ross Bjork addressed the controversy, confirming that Portnoy was not barred from entering the Horseshoe, despite earlier media claims suggesting otherwise. The clarification has shifted the conversation, calming speculation ahead of the Buckeyes’ season opener.
Reports Claimed Portnoy Was Barred
Initial reports from multiple outlets suggested that Ohio State had taken the step of banning Portnoy from Ohio Stadium due to his ties to Barstool Sports. The brand has often been criticized for its provocative content and sports betting promotion, leading some to believe the university sought to distance itself.
These reports quickly gained traction online, with fans debating whether Ohio State was right to allegedly restrict Portnoy’s access to one of college football’s most iconic venues.
Ross Bjork Clarifies the Situation
In response to the uproar, Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork issued a clear statement:
“There is no ban on Dave Portnoy at Ohio Stadium.”
Bjork explained that while Barstool Sports itself does not have official media credentials with Ohio State, that does not extend to an individual restriction against Portnoy. In other words, Portnoy remains free to attend games as a guest or as part of FOX Sports’ broadcast crew.
The AD emphasized that confusion may have stemmed from Barstool’s lack of accreditation, not from a personal ban against its founder.
Portnoy’s Reaction and Fan Response
Before Bjork’s clarification, Portnoy reacted sharply to the initial reports, accusing Ohio State of trying to “cancel” him. His loyal fan base amplified the story across social media, framing it as another example of Portnoy being targeted by mainstream institutions.
With the university’s clarification, reactions have shifted. Some fans criticized the media for rushing to publish claims of a ban, while others noted that Ohio State’s relationship with Barstool remains distant, even if Portnoy himself is not barred.
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What This Means for FOX and Big Noon Kickoff
The clarification is especially important for FOX Sports, which recently added Portnoy to its Big Noon Kickoff coverage. With Ohio State confirming that Portnoy is welcome at the Horseshoe, FOX can proceed with its plans for Saturday’s broadcast without disruption.
Still, the episode highlights the delicate balance universities face in handling personalities tied to polarizing media brands. While Portnoy is cleared to attend, Ohio State’s stance on Barstool as an organization remains firm, no official partnership, no credentials.
Despite initial reports, Dave Portnoy has not been banned from Ohio Stadium, according to Ohio State AD Ross Bjork. The confusion appears to stem from Barstool Sports’ lack of accreditation, not a targeted restriction against Portnoy himself.
As the Buckeyes prepare for kickoff and FOX’s national broadcast, the clarification ensures that Portnoy’s role as an analyst will move forward, though the broader debate over Barstool’s place in college sports coverage is far from over.