Dave Portnoy lashes out at Megyn Kelly over Caitlin Clark 'coward' attack

Joshua Mbu Tue, August 4, 2026 at 3:02 PM UTC

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Dave Portnoy has reacted to Megyn Kelly's scathing attack on WNBA star Caitlin Clark (Image: Getty)

Barstool Sports chief Dave Portnoy has torn into former FOX host Megyn Kelly for branding Indiana Fever and WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark a "coward." Clark, 24, is one of American sports' most popular and recognizable stars, and her stint in the WNBA hasn't been without controversy over the last three seasons.

Clark has found herself at the center of almost constant controversy, with fierce debate over whether the league's biggest star is being unfairly targeted by opponents. A series of hard fouls and physical incidents has fuelled claims from fans and some commentators that Clark has become a marked player, while others have dismissed that narrative as the normal treatment reserved for elite WNBA talent.

Her rapid rise and role in driving unprecedented television ratings and attendance have also sparked accusations that rival players are jealous of Clark, who has found herself at the center of new controversy after comments from Fever teammate Sophie Cunningham. Cunningham sparked debate when she gave her stance on transgender athletes participating in sports.

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"I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I'm like, 'I never once said that,'" Cunningham told ESPN. "I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men."

Cunningham's comments sparked outrage and prompted a response from Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who wore a light blue shirt under her jacket that said: "Trans kids belong."

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Clark is one of the WNBA's top stars (Image: Getty)

Other coaches and players, including Clark, were asked for their reactions to the Cunningham controversy. However, Clark refused to get dragged into the weeds over the debate.

"I think, for us, it's not really a discussion we really have in our locker room," Clark said following a loss to the Lynx. "I think it's for leagues and the governing bodies to work with their athletes to find solutions, but our focus is on basketball. That's what we talk about and how we can get wins, and, obviously, we didn't do that tonight."

However, Clark's response wasn't good enough for conservative political commentator and ex-FOX host Kelly. "Coward," Kelly said on social media, reacting to Clark's comments.

Dave Portnoy responds

Staunch Clark ally, Barstool Sports chief Portnoy leaped to the Fever guard's defense. He unleashed a scathing response to Kelly.

"Absolute moron/idiot to call Caitlin a coward for this answer," Portnoy posted. "1st of all you don't even know how she feels on this issue and more importantly she doesn't owe it to you or anybody else to be your political talking point.

"She just wants to play ball. Total coward cheap shot to call her a coward for not being your puppet."

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”