Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has entered the controversy surrounding Kayla Nicole’s recent interview on WNBA star Angel Reese‘s podcast, Unapologetically Angel.
The conversation sparked significant backlash, especially from Taylor Swift‘s fanbase, after Nicole opened up about her past relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce, who is now dating Swift.
During the interview, Nicole discussed her and Kelce‘s five-year on-and-off relationship, revealing that they no longer speak in public due to his new romance with Swift. She also addressed the online abuse she’s received from Swift‘s die-hard fans, the “Swifties,” and shared how it has impacted her emotionally.
Nicole also touched on the fallout she experienced with the Kansas City Chiefs‘ WAGs after her breakup with Kelce.
Nicole’s comments ignited criticism from Swift’s fanbase, who urged her to move on from Kelce. Now, Dave Portnoy, a vocal Swift supporter, has weighed in, offering harsh criticism of both Nicole and Reese.
Portnoy’s take on Nicole and Reese
Speaking on the BFFs podcast, Portnoy was direct in his criticism.
“Angel Reese and Kayla Nicole are perfect for each other,” he said, pointing out how both women seem fixated on third parties-Nicole on Kelce and Reese on her basketball rival, Caitlin Clark.
According to Portnoy, both women continue to bring up these people in conversation, then act surprised when they receive backlash.
Portnoy mocked Nicole‘s complaints about the online abuse from Swift’s fanbase, suggesting she invites it by continuously discussing Kelce and Swift.
“If you want to stop getting hate from that group, stop talking about them,” he said, comparing the situation to Reese’s public rivalry with Clark.
Portnoy’s co-host, Josh Richards, echoed the sentiment, calling the interview “immature” and likening it to high-school gossip.
Portnoy doubled down on his critique.
“They’ve moved on, you’re old news, sunshine,” referring to Nicole’s past relationship with Kelce, who has since become one-half of one of the world’s most talked-about celebrity couples alongside Swift.
As the controversy continues, Nicole seems committed to learning from the experience, while Portnoy‘s sharp criticism has only added fuel to an already heated debate.
