Dave Portnoy’s future as part of Fox’s college football coverage appears to be in doubt after a cryptic post from the Barstool Sports founder late on Saturday night.
Portnoy entered into a content deal with Fox in July, revealing that he would be appearing on the broadcaster’s popular college football show ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ every week.
But two weeks into the college season it already appears that something has happened to damage that agreement although late Saturday, Portnoy wasn’t prepared to say what.
He posted on his X account: ‘Breaking news. I will not be on Big Noon Kickoff on Fox next week. So no #askdave segment for next week. No further questions at this time.’
Moments earlier, a dejected Portnoy filmed his verdict on his Michigan Wolverines team losing 13-24 to Oklahoma Sooners.
At the end of that video, he alluded to some tension with Fox but again in an unclear manner, saying: ‘It was just a bad night to be a Michigan Wolverine, to be me.
‘I got my Big Noon Kickoff guys, who I’ve know for 15 minutes, are now texting me just… and I guess when you’re gonna f***ing beat that drum you’ve got to be there to take that medicine.’
Fox Sports have been contacted by Daily Mail for comment. Portnoy’s followers, meanwhile, interpreted his statement as meaning that there had been trouble behind the scenes.
‘I had you making it until the 4th week before getting canned,’ one reply to the controversial personality said.
Another commented: ‘The vibes aren’t there for you guys and the Fox crew…’
Speaking in August about the deal, Portnoy was deeply enthusiastic about the agreement. On his ‘Unnamed Show’ podcast last month, he said: ‘This has the potential to be really good for both parties.
‘They (Fox) want our audience, they know what audience we have… and it’s a wide-ranging relationship. I’m very happy with the deal. I’m going to be on it (Big Noon Kickoff) every week, live.’
But Portnoy’s debut appearance was overshadowed by a confusing feud with Ohio State ahead of the opening weekend.
Portnoy insisted Ohio State had banned him from the stadium but Fox later said they had never planned for him to be in the stadium as part of their coverage.
Fox’s decision to hire Portnoy appeared as a counter move to Pat McAfee being on ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ and rival the long-standing Saturday preview show.
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