Abdul El-Sayed and Dave Portnoy clash over Michigan football comments

Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy have engaged in a social media feud following comments regarding the University of Michigan football program. The dispute began after El-Sayed, a University of Michigan alumnus, joked about whether the Wolverines could win a game without cheating, referencing the program's past sign-stealing scandal and NCAA penalties.

In response to the joke, Portnoy labeled El-Sayed a “terrorist.” El-Sayed retaliated on X by mocking Portnoy’s athleticism and physique, posting a clip of Portnoy running on a turf field with the caption, “Meanwhile, here’s [Portnoy] committing an act of athletic terrorism. Less pizza, more gym, habibi.”

Republican opponent and former Representative Mike Rogers shared Portnoy’s post, agreeing with the characterization. A spokeswoman for Rogers later addressed the exchange, stating that “parroting Ohio State talking points is a bridge too far.”