New England Patriots superfan and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy recently defended the United States men’s national hockey team againstsocial media criticism following their gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The controversy began after a video circulated showing players laughing during a congratulatory phone call from President Donald Trump.
Dave Portnoy, Barstool Sports Rough N Rowdy Boxing in Providence
Dave Portnoy, Barstool Sports Rough N Rowdy Boxing in Providence
During the conversation, the President joked that he felt compelled to invite the gold medal winning women’s team to the White House alongside the men to avoid being impeached.
Some fans on social media characterized the remark as misogynistic and criticized the athletes for their lighthearted reaction to the call.
Portnoy responded to the backlash by labeling the critics as “psychopaths” and “the softest group of crybabies who ever existed” in a series of posts on X.
He argued that engaging with the President after a major international victory is a standard American tradition that should remain above partisan politics.
Dave Portnoy did not hold back. The Barstool Sports founder blasted “psychopath” hockey fans who criticized Team USA for speaking with President Trump following their gold medal victory. pic.twitter.com/JhqaceGGWU
— New York Post (@nypost) February 23, 2026
“Talking to the President after winning Gold is as American as Apple Pie,” Portnoy wrote, according to a report by theNew York Post.
Dave Portnoy further suggested that anyone angered by the interaction was looking for reasons to be offended rather than celebrating a historic athletic achievement.
Team leadership also addressed the situation to keep the focus on the ice. Captain Auston Matthews and head coach Mike Sullivan maintained that the call was a moment of national pride.
According toThe Express, Sullivan noted that the team was honored to receive recognition from the White House after defeating Canada to secure the first American Olympic hockey gold medal in over four decades.
Despite the online arguments, the team remains focused on celebrating their win rather than getting caught up in the political debate.
FBI Director Kash Patel joins Olympic hockey gold medal celebration
FBI Director Kash Patelfaced significant scrutiny after videos showed him celebrating with the U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey team in Milan.
Following their gold medal win over Canada on February 22, 2026, Patel was filmed spraying beer and wearing a player’s medal in the locker room. He also facilitated a congratulatory call from President Trump to the athletes.
Critics questioned the director’s presence in Italy while the FBI managed several domestic emergencies, including a fatal security incident at Mar-a-Lago.
Concerns were also raised about using a government jet for the trip, which reportedly cost taxpayers nearly $100,000. The FBI defended the travel as part of pre-planned security meetings with Italian officials.
Patel stated he was humbled to join the team for a historic moment but the event remains a point of political contention.