Dave Portnoy says feud with Bill Simmons is over and denies hiring link

Dave Portnoy used Barstool Sports' TikTok channel to confirm that his long-standing dispute with Bill Simmons has been resolved, even though his latest book, Cancel Me If You Can, recounts Simmons repeatedly ignoring interview requests in Barstool's early days. Portnoy emphasized that the 2025 hiring of sports a host at one outlet had no connection to the Simmons grievance, noting that Russillo was simply available on the market.

Russillo, a former six-year Ringer employee and frequent guest on The Bill Simmons Podcast, started The Ryan Russillo Show with Barstool in November 2025, accompanied by former Ringer producers Steve Ceruti and Kyle Crichton, who is Simmons’ nephew. The memoir also recalls Portnoy’s frustration when Simmons, then newly moved from Jimmy Kimmel to one outlet, declined further media interaction. Portnoy admits the snubs irritated him but maintains respect for Simmons' writing talent. The clarification comes as Barstool continues to expand its podcast lineup.