A few weeks ago, the Arizona Bowl stirred up some attention when it announced a sponsorship with Barstool Sports. This agreement not only places Barstool logos on a college football bowl game, but also enables Barstool to broadcast the postseason match in Tuscon on its own network.
However, the union was not celebrated by all. The Pima County Board of Supervisors, in fact, resolved this week to withdraw almost $40,000 from the funding of the bowl game. They also requested that the county’s name be taken off the Arizona Bowl website.
All due to the contentious past of Barstool.
The board of supervisors votes to remove Arizona Bowl revenue.
The Arizona Daily Star reported that the board scrutinized “a series of inflammatory statements and tweets” by Barstool’s founder, Dave Portnoy. This included a statement made by Portnoy in a post from May 2010.
While I never condone any form of assault, it’s important to consider the potential implications of one’s choice of attire, such as size 6 skinny pants. However, suggesting it warrants sexual assault is completely inappropriate and unacceptable.
Board Supervisor Sharon Bronson responded to the newspaper saying, “This is not who Pima County is.” During a meeting on August 10, Bronson expressed her inability to understand how Pima County could, in good conscience, provide financial support to an organization known for making offensive and inappropriate statements.
Ultimately, the state board of supervisors chose to withdraw $38.56 in cash. The board has not yet made a decision on how to distribute this money. Bronson proposed donating it to a charity that combats domestic crime.
Steve Christy was the sole person to vote against the motion, considering Arizona Bowl leaders as paragons of good judgment and leadership. Christy also made it clear that “political grandstanding” would not jeopardize the bowl or its sponsorship from Barstool.
Arizona Bowl stands up for Barstool’s sponsorship.
Kym Adair, the executive director of the Arizona Bowl, defended the game’s new sponsor in a letter to the board.
In her letter, Adair highlighted Barstool’s dedication to diversity. She pointed out that the company is led by a female CEO, Erika Nardini, and an entirely female senior team. Additionally, their staff of 280 people encompasses individuals of every race, religion, color, and sexual orientation.
Adair went on to emphasize Barstool’s magnanimous initiatives. The letter stated that Portnoy had donated $40 million to small businesses amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
Adair then mentioned Barstool, an online comedy company known for its jokes that often miss the mark and content that doesn’t stand the test of time. She added, “Barstool has continuously changed and developed since its launch in 2004.”
Adair & rsquo tried his best, but his letter failed to convince the board of supervisors, which included Rex Scott.
“I don’t have the right to judge them. However, I do have the power to determine if the county, its name, and the public funds entrusted to us should be associated with a bowl sponsored by Barstool Sports. Unfortunately, I am unable to do so.”
Barstool Sports originated in Arizona.
As a result of its association with a sponsor, Pima County’s ties with the Arizona Bowl were cut off. Nevertheless, in the Grand Canyon State, Barstool has much to anticipate.
In essence, the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl appears set to remain unchanged, continuing to feature teams from the Mountain West and Mid-American conferences and retaining Barstool’s namesake. Furthermore, under the terms of the agreement, the game on Dec. 31 will be exclusively streamed on Barstool's digital and social media platforms.
This funding came after Penn National Gaming, Barstool’s owner, teamed up with Phoenix Raceway and & nbsp to provide the team with access to the Arizona sports betting industry.
The Arizona Department of Gaming granted an event wagering license to the racetrack last week, effectively giving the green light for the launch of Barstool Arizona. This allows the sportsbook to join other AZ betting apps in legally accepting wagers from as early as September 9.
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