Dave Portnoy calls Duke “choking dog losers” as his $193K victory is ruined by a contentious Final Four conclusion.

In the world of sports, especially basketball, the final moments of a high-stakes game can often be filled with drama, controversy, and heartbreak. The 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament’s Final Four delivered a jaw-dropping conclusion that not only sent shockwaves through the basketball world but also caused a ripple effect through the sports betting community. One of the loudest voices in this community, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, was among those left in disbelief as his hopes of winning $193,000 were dashed by a controversial ending in a game involving the Duke Blue Devils.

Portnoy, known for his unapologetic and often brash demeanor, had placed a significant bet on Duke’s victory. As a fixture in the world of sports betting and media, Portnoy’s commentary and opinions can carry a lot of weight among his followers, especially when it comes to high-profile events. In a moment of frustration and anger following the game’s conclusion, Portnoy did not hold back, calling Duke’s performance “choking dog losers,” a phrase that encapsulated his feelings of betrayal and frustration.

The Setup: A $193K Bet and the Stakes of the Final Four

Portnoy, who frequently engages in high-stakes betting, had placed a large wager on Duke to advance to the championship game of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The bet was for $193,000, a sum that reflected his confidence in Duke’s ability to pull through and secure a victory in the Final Four. Like many fans and analysts, Portnoy believed that Duke, with its storied history and talented roster, was well-equipped to compete for the title and deliver a win when it mattered most.

As the game approached its final moments, the tension in the arena and across the sports betting world reached a fever pitch. With millions of dollars riding on the outcome, both the players and the bettors understood how crucial each possession was. For Portnoy, his $193K was on the line, and with every second that ticked off the clock, his anxiety mounted. He was hopeful that his faith in Duke’s ability to close out the game would be rewarded.

Unfortunately, for Portnoy and countless other bettors who were backing Duke, the game’s final moments were marred by a controversial series of events that ultimately altered the game’s outcome and left many feeling cheated.

The Controversy: A Final Four Ending That Left Fans and Bettors Reeling

As the game entered its final moments, Duke found itself in a precarious position. Despite a back-and-forth contest filled with dramatic swings, they were poised to secure the victory with just a few seconds remaining. However, a controversial call during the dying seconds of the game would go on to have a lasting impact on the outcome and, in particular, Portnoy’s large bet.

The controversy began with a questionable foul called on Duke in the closing moments of the game. With only a few seconds left on the clock and Duke holding a slim lead, the referees whistled for a foul that many believed was a poor decision. The foul allowed the opposing team to head to the free-throw line for two crucial shots. Fans and analysts alike were perplexed by the call, arguing that the contact was minimal at best and that the game should have been allowed to finish without such an interruption.

As the opposing team stepped to the line, the stakes were raised even higher. The crowd was on edge, the players were visibly tense, and Portnoy—who was watching from his usual position as a vocal observer—could only watch as the game slipped away from Duke. The first free throw went in, then the second. Suddenly, the game was tied, and Duke was left with mere seconds to either tie or win the game.

In the final moments, Duke’s attempt to hit a buzzer-beater fell short, sealing the game in favor of their opponent. The combination of the controversial foul and the missed shot at the buzzer left many—including Portnoy—feeling like the game had been stolen from them.

Dave Portnoy’s Reaction: “Choking Dog Losers”

In the aftermath of the game, Portnoy’s reaction was nothing short of explosive. Known for his larger-than-life personality and no-holds-barred commentary, he quickly took to social media to express his frustration. In a tweet that quickly went viral, Portnoy called Duke “choking dog losers” in a seething outburst that perfectly captured the magnitude of his disappointment.

Portnoy’s words resonated with many sports fans, particularly those who had placed bets on Duke or had similarly been affected by the controversial ending. To them, it felt as though a team with so much talent had let down their supporters and failed to live up to expectations in the most crucial moment of the tournament.

For Portnoy, the emotional reaction wasn’t just about the loss of $193,000—it was about the betrayal he felt as a fan and a bettor. His tweet became the focal point for many in the sports world who were quick to criticize Duke’s performance and, more importantly, the refereeing in the final moments of the game. The situation was further exacerbated by the fact that the controversy was not a minor call; it was one that could be argued to have directly impacted the outcome of the game and, by extension, Portnoy’s substantial wager.

The Fallout: Refereeing Controversies and Public Backlash

Portnoy’s inflammatory remarks about Duke sparked a wave of reactions from both fans and media members. Some fans agreed with Portnoy’s sentiment, feeling that the game had been taken away from them by what they saw as a poorly officiated contest. Others defended Duke, arguing that the Blue Devils still had an opportunity to win and that the loss was ultimately their own fault. Regardless of which side people fell on, the controversy surrounding the game and the refereeing decision became the central narrative in the aftermath.

The referee’s decision to call the foul, which many deemed controversial, was also scrutinized in the days following the game. The NCAA released a statement defending the call, but this only fueled further debate. Fans, analysts, and former players were divided over whether the referees had made the right decision or whether the game had been unfairly decided by a single, pivotal moment.

While Portnoy’s outburst was just one of many reactions to the controversy, it quickly gained traction due to his outspoken nature and large following. His words, “choking dog losers,” became a rallying cry for frustrated bettors and basketball fans who felt that Duke had choked under pressure. In many ways, Portnoy became the voice of the angry sports bettor who had seen their dreams of a big payout dashed by what they considered to be an unfair ending.

The Broader Impact: Sports Betting and Fan Expectations

Portnoy’s reaction to the Duke loss also shines a light on the growing intersection of sports and sports betting. With the rise of online sports betting and the increasing popularity of placing large wagers on college basketball games, the stakes of March Madness have never been higher for both teams and bettors. As sports betting becomes more mainstream, the emotional highs and lows experienced by bettors like Portnoy are becoming more common.

For Portnoy, the $193,000 wager wasn’t just about the money—it was about the pride and excitement of seeing his team succeed in one of the most high-profile tournaments in sports. But as more fans place large bets and become more invested in the outcomes of games, the emotional rollercoaster of winning and losing takes on greater significance.

As the Duke loss unfolded, Portnoy’s anger and frustration were mirrored by many others who had invested significant amounts of money into their bets. The pressure of sports betting can create a tense and high-stakes environment where emotions run high, and outcomes feel much more personal. For fans like Portnoy, the feeling of being wronged by a controversial call can be deeply disheartening, especially when so much is at stake.