Dave Portnoy regrets Barstool Sports' role in 'vicious rumor' that Ole Miss student says ruined her life

The founder of Barstool Sports wants to apologize to the college freshman who was the victim of a false viral rumor amplified by two personalities affiliated with the popular sports site, he said Thursday.

The founder of Barstool Sports wants to apologize to the college freshman who was the victim of a false viral rumor amplified by two personalities affiliated with the popular sports site, he said Thursday.  

Dave Portnoy said he understood why the family of Mary Kate Cornett, who told NBC News this month that the false claims had “practically ruined” her life, was “pissed.” 

“It’s a vicious rumor,” he said. “I’m sad, and I wish we didn’t play any part in it.” 

The false claims about Cornett, a 19-year-old student at the University of Mississippi, were circulating online when ESPN host and analyst Pat McAfee discussed them during a show in February.  

McAfee did not name Cornett, but he discussed a rumor about a University of Mississippi student’s sleeping with her boyfriend’s father.