‘This is Cruel’ – People React to Dave Portnoy’s ‘Rude’ Comments about Fore Play Member Leaving

Yesterday, Barstool’s Fore Play announced that it would part ways with Dan Rapaport, who will go off on his own.

Barstool’s Fore Play Losing One of Its Members

However, Barstool founder Dave Portnoy was asked about the decision to part ways with Rapaport on The Unnamed Show podcast, and people are calling his comments "rude," "cruel," and "weak."

Those who know Portnoy are aware he does not mince words, he is blunt, and he tells it how it is. 

What Happened Between Barstool and Rapaport?

According to Portnoy, Rapaport's agents reached out for a contract renewal, and Portnoy was not totally interested:

“He has agents; they reached out to renew his contract, and I wouldn’t say I treated that like I was trying to re-sign Patrick Mahomes. Listen, I don't mean this disrespectfully. I don't like Dan Rapaport, but I don't not like Dan Rapaport. I have apathy towards Dan Rapaport. I wish him well. I have absolutely no ill will to him. I would agree that Dan Rapaport is an unusual fit for us in the sense of he's boring. He came on through Fore Play. So Fore Play wanted him, he wanted to be there."

Dave reacts to Dan Rapaport leaving Fore Play & Barstool pic.twitter.com/UEmYORhj2Q

— The Unnamed Show (@barstoolunnamed) September 5, 2024

Portnoy even said he had a call scheduled with Rapaport's agents but missed it because he was preoccupied with eating his lunch: a salad.

For what it is worth, Rapaport was an interesting add to the Fore Play team. He did not necessarily fit the mold of what the team does. He is more of a tried and true golf journalist in every sense of the word. He is not necessarily a content creator, which is truly what Fore Play is centered around. 

It did not make much sense for Rapaport to be there.

Response to Portnoy Comments

Portnoy's comments drew a variety of responses, including several people being upset with the bluntness of his thoughts about Rapaport:

"Bro honestly I wouldn’t have had any issues leaving either if this is how the boss saw me. Could be blamed on myself for the vibe and actions I took but at the end of the day having a boss say he would decide to go eat a salad instead of hope into our SCHEDULED meeting is nuts lol."

"This is weak. Rapaport took the high road on this one. He didn't make it personal."

"This is horrible. @Daniel_Rapaport is a human being and this is cruel"

Will Barstool really feel any repercussions from this? Likely not. People know what to expect from Portnoy, and they know his attitude can be abrasive. However, it seems ideal that Fore Play would move on from Rapaport, considering he does not fit the mold of the content creation goals that Barstool has as a brand.

Cover Image via Daily Mail