Additional Coverage:
Dave Portnoy, best known as the founder of Barstool Sports, has added another achievement to his resume: best-selling author. His new book, Cancel Me If You Can, was released on June 30 and quickly climbed to the top of the New York Times Hardcover Nonfiction best-seller list. It also holds the number two spot on the Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction chart.
Celebrating the milestone on social media, Portnoy, 49, expressed gratitude to his loyal followers-affectionately known as “Stoolies”-while taking a jab at his critics. “Is being a Times #1 best seller good?
It would appear lots of humans liked my book,” he wrote. “Thanks to all the Stoolies who always answer the bell.
Best fanbase in the world. And to all the haters… I win and you lose… again.”
Published by Simon & Schuster, the book offers an unfiltered look at Portnoy’s journey building his controversial media empire. The publisher describes the memoir as a candid account of how Portnoy remained steadfast and authentic despite facing numerous attempts to bring down Barstool Sports.
Barstool Sports itself marked the occasion with a colorful reflection on its turbulent past, recalling the so-called “Internet wars of 2016,” when rival outlets like Deadspin reportedly sought to have Barstool canceled.
Portnoy’s career has not been without controversy. Last year, he faced backlash after making a joke on Instagram about Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, suggesting he should be “murdered” following a game loss. The clip showed Portnoy reacting emotionally to a losing sports bet during the game’s final moments.
Despite the controversies, Portnoy’s new book clearly resonates with a large audience, cementing his status not only as a media personality but also as a successful author.