Dave Portnoy, known as the “Presidente” of Barstool Sports, criticized a political operative linked to Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner. This response came after strategist Jeff Coote proposed a Boston sports-themed ad collaboration.
Political Ad Raises Eyebrows
Platner aired an ad targeting the role of private equity firms in the management of the Boston Red Sox. The Fenway Sports Group, led by John Henry II, includes various investors, such as private equity firms. These firms also hold a stake in RFK Racing.
Coote contacted Portnoy, suggesting a collaboration to highlight private equity’s impact on sports. Portnoy shared their email exchange publicly.
“Hey Dave, something different for you,” Coote wrote, noting Platner’s “populist streak” and issues like dissatisfaction with the Red Sox.
Portnoy’s Response
After Coote sent a reminder on Friday, Portnoy reacted strongly. His association with Coote’s email involved accusations about Platner’s controversial tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism. Portnoy made it clear he was uninterested in Platner’s baseball perspectives.
“Hey Jeff. This is the Nazi guy, right? I’d be happy to discuss the tattoo, not baseball,” Portnoy wrote.
When Coote responded ambiguously, Portnoy pressed for clarity.
Platner has faced criticism for a Totenkopf tattoo, a symbol associated with Nazi SS, which he blamed on military culture.
Ad’s Impact on the Red Sox
The controversial ad was also removed by Fenway-owned New England SportsNet (NESN) during a Red Sox game. Henry’s group contended that ads with intellectual property concerns are regularly reviewed. Platner’s use of a font similar to the Red Sox’s branding prompted this action.
Platner accused private equity of harming the Red Sox and affecting broader life aspects. Following the ad’s removal, a subsequent Red Sox game ended poorly for the team, which Platner highlighted.
A company, RedBird Partners, acquired an 11% stake in Fenway in 2021. Platner’s ad criticized private equity for impacting the team’s fortunes by referencing the trade of a key player to another team.
Fox News Digital contacted Portnoy, Coote’s Slingshot Strategies, and the Platner campaign for additional comments.
Charles Creitz, a reporter for Fox News Digital, contributed to this report. He joined the network in 2013, covering media, politics, and culture. Creitz is a Temple University graduate.