Dave Portnoy Apologizes For ‘Vicious’ False Rumor About Ole Miss Student: ‘Morally We Were Wrong’

Dave Portnoy is sharing his regret for the role he played in spreading a viral false rumor about a University of Mississippi student. The Barstool Sports founder spoke to NBC News about the situation on April 10, sharing that he understands why Ole Miss freshman Mary Kate Cornett’s loved ones are angry about what’s happened to her. “I’m sad, and I wish we didn’t play any part in it. I would apologize, I get why the family is pissed,” he said. Cornett, 19, has been the subject of false claims in recent months that accused her of sleeping with her boyfriend’s father, which she has vehemently denied. The gossip received increased attention in February after sports commentator Pat McAfee addressed it on his ESPN show without mentioning Cornett by name. At least two of Portnoy’s Barstool employees also reportedly discussed the rumor in now-deleted social media posts. Days before Portnoy’s latest remarks, Cornett opened up about the fallout in a sit-down with NBC News, sharing that she’s received an onslaught of hateful calls and texts and that the situation has “practically ruined” her life.