Temple University Suspends Second Student in Barstool Sports Antisemitism Incident
Temple University has suspended a second student in connection with an antisemitic incident that occurred at a Barstool Sports bar in Philadelphia over the weekend. The university’s swift action underscores the seriousness with which it is treating the matter, reflecting a commitment to combating hate speech and fostering an inclusive campus environment. The identity of the second suspended student has not been publicly released, according to FOX 29 Philadelphia.
The controversy erupted on Saturday night at the popular sports bar. Bottle-service staff brought out a sign to the floor bearing the message "f— the Jews," triggering widespread outrage and condemnation. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy immediately responded to the incident, announcing the firing of the two waitresses involved. Portnoy also engaged with two men allegedly responsible for the sign, initially agreeing to send them on a trip to Auschwitz to educate them about the Holocaust and the horrors of antisemitism. This attempt at restorative justice, however, quickly unraveled.
One of the men involved, identified as Mo Khan, has since backtracked on his agreement with Portnoy and vehemently denied any involvement in creating or displaying the antisemitic sign. Temple University had previously suspended Khan in connection with the incident. Khan released a statement on Tuesday, claiming he felt pressured when he initially agreed to Portnoy’s proposal.
"Although I had nothing to do with the sign coming out, nor do I know who did it, I know that the sign was provocative because it reminded people of the unjust things Israel is doing around the world, thus leading me to report on it," Khan stated. He reiterated his claim of being a "citizen journalist" covering the situation. Khan further accused Portnoy of overreacting to what he characterized as an "edgy joke," alleging that Portnoy and his associates were more concerned with his personal well-being than with the plight of those affected by conflict in the Middle East.
Khan subsequently appeared on "Stew Peters Live," a platform known for its extremist views, where he reportedly echoed and endorsed antisemitic sentiments, including the dangerous trope of "Jewish supremacy."
Portnoy responded forcefully to Khan’s shifting narrative and accusations. In a post on X, he labeled Khan a "flat liar," asserting that Khan had initially admitted his involvement in the incident during a phone conversation. Portnoy claimed that Khan only changed his story after consulting with legal counsel and family. Portnoy also pointed out that Khan himself had initially shared a picture of the offensive sign on his Instagram account, suggesting that Khan was responsible for the initial spread of the image.
"I talked to him on the phone with his buddy and they both owned up to it and cried about it. He then lawyered up after speaking with his family," Portnoy wrote. "His name got out because he’s a moron and uploaded ‘f— the Jews’ sign to his Instagram before I even knew about it. He already went viral without me. He spreads hate and uses the conflict in Middle East as his excuse. And did it in a bar with my (company’s) name on it."
Portnoy accused Khan of attempting to profit from the situation by exploiting antisemitic sentiments. He expressed disgust at Khan’s lack of accountability and emphasized that the incident was an act of pure hate, regardless of religious affiliation or views on the Middle East conflict. In a separate video, Portnoy admitted feeling "dumb" for trying to "show grace" and resolve the situation amicably.
The incident has ignited a broader conversation about antisemitism, free speech, and accountability. Portnoy has since stated that Khan "may be the greatest thing that’s ever happened for Jews to fight antisemitism in America," potentially referencing other alleged incidents involving Khan.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and other antisemitism watchdog groups have condemned the incident and called for accountability. The ADL has also called on FIFA and the Trump’s World Cup task force to stop anti-Israel soccer campaigns. The situation highlights the challenges of addressing antisemitism in the digital age, where hateful messages can spread rapidly and individuals can attempt to evade responsibility for their actions. It also raises questions about the role of social media platforms in moderating content and preventing the spread of hate speech.
The incident underscores the importance of education and awareness programs to combat antisemitism and promote understanding and respect among diverse communities. Universities, in particular, have a responsibility to create environments where all students feel safe and valued, and to take decisive action against hate speech and discrimination. Temple University’s decision to suspend two students in connection with the incident is a step in that direction, signaling a commitment to addressing antisemitism and promoting a more inclusive campus community. The full details surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
