Dave Portnoy Claims Big Ten Influenced Fox to Bench Him in Week 11
Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, has claimed that the Big Ten Conference has influenced Fox Sports to limit his appearances during Week 11 of the college football season. This assertion comes as he prepares for his upcoming segment on Big Noon Kickoff, set to take place at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, where the Ohio State Buckeyes are scheduled to face the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Portnoy’s Cold War with the Big Ten
Despite his agreement with Fox Sports, Portnoy has expressed ongoing tensions with the Big Ten, which he feels is taking its influence too seriously. During a recent episode of his Unnamed Show podcast, he discussed the implications of his limited participation, stating that the negotiation seems to stem from the conference’s desire to minimize his visibility during broadcasts. As a result, Portnoy will host the Barstool College Football Show from Starkville, Mississippi, next weekend, where Mississippi State will play Georgia.
Upcoming Broadcasts
For Week 11, Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff is likely to feature either Indiana at Penn State or Oregon at Iowa. Portnoy suggests that this decision was influenced by the Big Ten’s ongoing concerns about his presence. He mentioned, “I know this is 100 percent the truth. We have a great relationship with Fox.” However, he also noted uncertainty about whether the Big Ten’s interference was official or merely Fox trying to maintain peace.
Previous Restrictions
This is not the first time Portnoy has faced limitations on his appearances. Earlier this season, he was barred from attending a key matchup at Ohio Stadium, prompting discussions on whether such restrictions would apply across the entire conference. Portnoy has raised questions about whether Fox can optimally produce their shows amid these challenges.
Ratings and Performance
Portnoy believes that Fox’s engagement metrics during Big Noon Kickoff benefit significantly when he is part of the program. He acknowledges that audience numbers often depend more on the games featured than on his individual presence. However, he remains optimistic about his collaboration with Fox, stating, “We have a great relationship with Fox Sports. They have been nothing but great working with us.”
Conclusion
As college football’s landscape shifts, and coach firings create a lull, Portnoy’s situation illustrates the complex dynamics between networks, partnerships, and conferences. While tensions exist, Portnoy continues to affirm his commitment to working closely with Fox Sports to deliver compelling football content.
