Dave Portnoy called Mina Kimes a “coward” again on Aug. 19. The Barstool Sports founder posted the insult on social media, reigniting a feud that has simmered for months. Yahoo Sports covered the exchange. Kimes has not responded. ESPN has said nothing.
Portnoy’s attack follows his claim that Pat McAfee’s ESPN rise was built on Barstool’s foundation. He has repeated this narrative across platforms. Kimes, an ESPN NFL analyst, became a target after publicly questioning Barstool’s influence on sports media. The “coward” label appears aimed at her refusal to engage directly with his provocations.
ESPN’s silence is strategic. The network avoids legitimizing Portnoy by ignoring him. This approach protects its brand from Barstool’s disruptive, entertainment-first ethos. But it also leaves Kimes exposed. She is a sharp analyst with strong journalistic credibility. Her popularity among fans is real. The attacks create pressure, yet they also rally support. The double edge cuts both ways.
| Factor | Portnoy’s Position | ESPN’s Position |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy | Provoke through public insults | Silence as calculated non-response |
| Target | Kimes’s refusal to engage | Protect talent and brand image |
| Risk | Perceived as bully | Perceived as abandoning talent |
| Goal | Drive engagement via conflict | Avoid legitimizing Barstool |
The feud mirrors a parallel story in NFL preseason. Shedeur Sanders faces the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. NFL Network’s “GMFB” asked what analysts want to see from him. CBS Sports flagged the game as critical for his trajectory. The pressure is identical: prove yourself under intense scrutiny. Deion Sanders mentors Shedeur. Pat McAfee anchors ESPN’s entertainment shift. Both narratives test hype versus substance.
Portnoy wins when feuds go public. Social media algorithms amplify conflict. Engagement rises. Journalistic integrity takes a hit. Kimes’s silence, like ESPN’s, may be her strongest defense. But the noise continues.
The real question is who wins when the noise fades. ESPN bets on poise. Portnoy bets on provocation. Sanders bets on performance. The Bills game will show if Sanders delivers. The Kimes feud will show if silence holds.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What did Dave Portnoy call Mina Kimes?
- A: Dave Portnoy called Mina Kimes a ‘coward’ on Aug. 19, reigniting their feud, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
- Q: Why is ESPN staying silent in the feud?
- A: ESPN’s silence is a strategic non-response to avoid legitimizing Portnoy’s provocations and protect its brand from Barstool’s disruptive ethos.
- Q: How has Mina Kimes responded to Portnoy’s attacks?
- A: Mina Kimes has not responded to Portnoy’s insults, maintaining her focus on her role as an NFL analyst at ESPN.
Extended Reading
Sources: Yahoo Sports’ coverage of Portnoy’s “coward” comment, NFL Network’s “GMFB” segment on Sanders vs. Bills, and CBS Sports’ analysis of Sanders’s preseason stakes.