Dave Portnoy Slams Duke After Controversial Final Four Ending Ruins $193K Bet
In the world of sports, there’s always the element of unpredictability, but some moments leave fans, bettors, and media personalities alike feeling betrayed by controversial decisions. One such instance unfolded during the 2025 NCAA Final Four, where Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, unleashed a brutal rant aimed at Duke University after a disputed ending led to a colossal blow to his $193,000 bet.
Portnoy, known for his larger-than-life personality and outspoken opinions, had placed a significant wager on Duke to win the Final Four game. With millions of eyes glued to the game, the Blue Devils appeared to be on the verge of a thrilling victory. But as the game came to its dramatic conclusion, the outcome was tainted by a controversial call that left many questioning the integrity of the refereeing.
The situation arose in the final seconds, with Duke up by two points and a seemingly innocent play unfolding. A contested shot by the opposing team, followed by a tangle of bodies, was ruled a foul by the officials. Duke fans were outraged, claiming the decision was an unjustified call that cost them the game. On the other side, the opposing team’s supporters were ecstatic, with the call leading to a clutch free throw opportunity that eventually secured the game for their side.
Portnoy, already on edge from the tension of watching his $193,000 bet teetering on a razor’s edge, did not hold back in his reaction. “Choking dog losers,” he blasted, referencing Duke’s players and coaches. “I’ve seen better officiating in a high school gym. That was a disgrace, and I’m done with this garbage.” His tirade quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with both Duke detractors and those who shared his frustration at the refereeing rallying behind him.
His comments echoed a growing frustration among fans who believed the officiating was inconsistent and flawed throughout the game. “You can’t make that call in the Final Four, especially when the entire game has been officiated with a lack of consistency,” Portnoy continued. “This was a massive screw job. The refs need to answer for this.”
In addition to his fiery remarks about the refereeing, Portnoy also took aim at the Duke players. “Duke, as usual, folds under pressure. You had the game in your hands, and like a bunch of chokers, you let it slip away. It’s typical Duke.”
Despite his anger, Portnoy wasn’t just venting frustration; he knew the fallout of the bet was significant. The $193,000 bet he placed on Duke to win was a major financial risk, and its loss only heightened his emotional response. “I don’t give a damn about money. It’s about principle. This game was fixed. The refs were terrible. Duke should’ve never lost this game, and I’m livid,” he added.
Duke, meanwhile, has remained tight-lipped in response to the controversy. The school and coaching staff have yet to release a formal statement addressing the officiating or Portnoy’s criticisms. However, for fans and bettors like Portnoy, the sour taste of a botched call will linger far longer than the final buzzer of that fateful game.
As the outrage continues to brew, the 2025 NCAA Final Four will likely be remembered not just for its nail-biting finish, but for the wave of controversy surrounding one of the most high-profile betting losses in recent memory. Whether the debate over the officiating ever settles remains to be seen, but for now, Portnoy’s angry diatribe is a fitting echo of the dissatisfaction that many sports fans continue to feel in the aftermath of this disputed defeat.
