Dave Portnoy shocked over “awful news” as NASCAR legend Kyle Busch passes away at 41

Dave Portnoy has just learned of something very sudden and very unfortunate – the death of Kurt Busch.

On Thursday, Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, passed away at 41 years of age after being hospitalized for an illness. He was just coming off participating in the All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway this past Sunday.

A joint statement from NASCAR, his family and his erstwhile-current team Richard Childress Racing, read:

“Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. … His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.’”

Portnoy, founder and owner of Barstool Sports, was taken aback at the news:

“What the hell? Awful out of nowhere news. RIP Rowdy.”

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Dave Portnoy threatened to sue teams that referenced Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini scandal in schedule release

Exactly a week ago, the NFL had its long-anticipated 2026 schedule release, in which teams would reveal whom they would be playing, where, and when, as well as how to watch it.

One area that teams were expected to be creative in was the videos, with plans to reference New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel’s infidelity scandal with former The Athletic reporter Dianna Russini. A source told Front Office Sports:

“This is the day when teams are licensed to poke fun at each other. The (Vrabel story) has become such a public matter that teams can take the shot. You may get a call from the Patriots, but the league is not going to get involved. … If the Jets, Bills, or Chargers choose to ridicule Vrabel, that’s an issue between the teams.”

Dave Portnoy, however, was not going to take that notion well:

“Let me say this loud and clear. I will be monitoring all schedule releases and anybody who makes a joke about this disgusting controversy will be put on my list and face potential legal action. You’ve been warned.”

Ultimately, however, no suit whatsoever was filed.