Published on: December 12, 2025, 01:20h. 

Updated on: December 12, 2025, 01:20h.

• Portnoy unleashes rant after suffering a $250K loss on Raiders vs. Broncos, highlighting the “bad beat” phenomenon
• Raiders’ coach Pete Carroll shares his reasoning behind the last-minute field goal while trailing by ten
• Portnoy faces backlash for suggesting Carroll should face severe consequences during an Instagram outburst

The term “bad beat” has been a hot topic this week, spotlighted by Dave Portnoy’s explosive social media reaction concerning the Las Vegas Raiders and veteran coach Pete Carroll after the Raiders fell to the Denver Broncos 24-17 last weekend.

Here’s what happened: The Broncos were favored by 7.5 in some betting markets. Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports and a passionate sports bettor, had his money on the Broncos. With the score standing at 24-14 in favor of the Broncos, Portnoy and other bettors likely believed the game was sealed after a Raiders receiver was tackled in bounds with just five seconds remaining and the clock still ticking.

However, officials called a defensive delay-of-game penalty against Denver that stopped the clock. Carroll decided to bring in kicker Daniel Carlson, trailing by ten points. Carlson successfully completed a 46-yard field goal, concluding the game at 24-17.

Last-Minute Field Goal Sparks Fury

And that’s when the outrage erupted.

“That’s the worst beat in history,” Portnoy exclaimed on Instagram, pacing in what appeared to be his living room and pulling at his hair. “Investigate the Raiders! What the heck! That’s the worst beat ever. This is cheating! What the heck! I need to rewind! Pete Carroll should be incarcerated! Behind bars for Pete Carroll! The refs, everyone! This is ridiculous! The spread was 8.5! Prison for Pete Carroll! I want him gone! A delay of game? The game should have ended! Then they kicked a field goal with time expired! This is unacceptable!”

Portnoy faced significant backlash online.

$250K Wager Breakdown

“Let’s be clear, do not call for harm to Pete Carroll,” one user commented.

Interestingly, the media reports stating that Portnoy was “under scrutiny” for his comments in this day and age seem amusing. Carroll is a Hall of Fame-caliber coach. Though he wasn’t directly asked about Portnoy’s remarks, he would likely dismiss them if he were. Carroll doesn’t coach NFL games to cater to the whims of sports bettors. If fans are frustrated about game outcomes, that’s their issue.

This week, Carroll explained his decision-making regarding the field goal: “We were trying to play it down to the final second. I was negotiating with the official, hoping for eight, seven seconds left to set up for a field goal, followed by an onside kick, and perhaps have one second left for another shot. When the clock dropped to five, then three, and they restored it to five, it looked foolish, so I was pushed into a corner. I aimed for ten seconds; my plea was in hopes they would grant me a chance.”

Portnoy reported that he lost $250,000 on this bet.

Portnoy’s Apology to Newsweek

Describing Barstool Sports as a “pirate ship,” Portnoy did extend an apology a few days later.

He stated to Newsweek: “I want to make this very clear. We never condone any physical harm towards anyone based on a game or play. However, in the heat of the moment, you can be understandably upset after a chaotic series of events that cost you a substantial amount. It was certainly a metaphorical expression.”

This incident has brought the term “bad beat” and the world of sports betting into the spotlight. “Bad beat” refers to an unfortunate and often random loss of a wager that seemed nearly assured to win due to surprising last-minute developments, a description that perfectly fits the Raiders-Broncos game from last Sunday.