A high-stakes bet on NFL touchdown scorers turned into a dramatic saga for Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy.
According to Daily Mail, Portnoy demanded an FBI investigation after missing out on a potential $370,000 windfall when Washington Commanders backup running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. scored instead of starter Brian Robinson Jr.
The parlay bet included three players to score touchdowns - Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles' Kenny Pickett, and Robinson Jr.
With odds of +3629 and an estimated $10,000 stake, the potential payout was substantial. Taylor and Pickett delivered on their parts, leaving only Robinson Jr.'s touchdown needed for the massive payday.
Backup Running Back Scores While Robinson Remains On Sidelines
Robinson Jr. had a productive game with 60 rushing yards on 13 carries and nine receiving yards on two receptions. However, it was Rodriguez Jr., who had only five carries all season, who found the end zone in the Commanders' 30-24 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons.
The turn of events left Portnoy fuming. He recorded himself lying on the floor in desperation while watching Robinson Jr. attempt to score from the one-yard line. The Commanders failed to convert on that play and opted for a pass on the next attempt, further diminishing Portnoy's chances.
Portnoy's frustration boiled over in a social media video where he expressed his outrage. He said:
[Rodriguez] has five fing carries the whole season. Robinson is perfectly fing healthy, smiling on the sidelines and we are giving it to this fing guy? I want a federal investigation. I want fing everyone in Washington investigated. I want DraftKings investigated. I want Robinson investigated. I want everyone with a fing pulse, in-house, outhouse, park house [investigated]. What the f was that?
Notable History Of High-Stakes Gambling Adventures
The 47-year-old Portnoy, who describes himself as a "degenerate gambler," has a track record of placing substantial bets on sporting events. Earlier this year, he won $1.65 million backing Scottie Scheffler to win the Masters.
His other recent notable wagers include a $100,000 bet on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever to win the WNBA title, which could have netted him $10.1 million. He also placed $1.1 million on the Celtics to win the NBA championship and $1 million on the Oilers to win the Stanley Cup.
Not all his bets have been successful. A $100,000 wager on Alabama to win the college football national championship failed when the team didn't even qualify for the 12-team playoff bracket.
Dramatic Aftermath Of A Near Miss
Dave Portnoy witnessed his parlay bet collapse in dramatic fashion during the Washington Commanders' overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Barstool Sports founder's $10,000 wager would have resulted in a $370,000 payout if Brian Robinson Jr. had scored a touchdown.
Instead, backup running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., with only five carries in the entire season, scored the rushing touchdown that derailed Portnoy's bet. The incident prompted Portnoy to demand an FBI investigation into the Commanders' decision-making, adding to his history of high-profile sports betting outcomes.
