Rivalries can get more awkward than sipping on a Starbucks cup in the middle of Dunkin’ Donuts at times, especially the one between Ohio State and Michigan, and we saw that this week — at least for a little bit.
Earlier this week, reports surfaced that Ohio State banned new Fox personality and Barstool Sports founder, Dave Portnoy, from Ohio Stadium for the Texas game. It’s awkward because Portnoy is a staunch Michigan supporter and superfan and isn’t shy about letting everyone know. And now that Fox has announced that the maize and blue party boy will be a part of Fox Big Noon broadcasts, there’s a little animosity in the Buckeye camp — especially with some of the mud slinging Portnoy has done at the expense of Buckeyes everywhere.
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But … hold the rotary phone, because a day after those reports surfaced, Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork came out and refuted that it banned Portnoy through Yahoo Sports Ross Dellenger. He further stated that the decision was Fox’s and had nothing to do with the brass on the banks of the Olentangy. A little later, a Big Ten spokesman confirmed that Portnoy will not be a part of any of the in-stadium appearances with any of its games that Fox televises.
Got that? Good.
So, rest easy, Michigan fans. Ohio State isn’t pulling a tit for tat example of Portnoy, and it appears as though the suits at Fox believe he is best suited to remain on the outside looking into the stadium and used in other capacities. Of course, the conspiracy theorists will believe this was a walk-back by OSU and Fox together, but we’ll never know.
One thing is for certain: if Portnoy was able to swashbuckle into Ohio Stadium, we’re pretty sure there would be some not-so-kind things said to him and his Michigan fandom. Maybe, just maybe, it’s all for the better considering where things are right now between the two fanbases.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State refutes report of Dave Portnoy ban for Texas game
