Barstool Sports golf reporter Dan Rapaport has left the company and is ending the podcast ‘Fore Play’.
This was announced in the show’s final episode, titled ‘Goodbye Dan Rapaport’.
Rapaport released his own statement on his Twitter account citing the episode in which he subtly mocked owner Dave Portnoy.
“I am beyond grateful for the past 2 years. What a life experience, man. Running around the world with an incredible group of guys on some golfing adventures,” the statement began.
“I will always be grateful to Riggs, Frankie, and Trent for the opportunity and platform they’ve given me. And the crew behind the scenes—Brendan Jones, Alex Busch, Rob White, Jared the Libero, Kyle Tims, Pilar, Allison, Live Event Lisa/the entire Barstool Classic crew, Jake Bass, Noah An—you guys are the engine that keeps this thing going.
‘I was already a huge fan of Barstool and Fore Play before I joined and now I’m an even bigger fan.
Barstool Sports golf reporter Dan Rapaport is leaving the company and his podcasts
Rapaport may also have taken a subtle dig at Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy
‘Sometimes you just have to follow your gut and that’s where I’m at right now. As for what’s next, I’m going to take a little time away and decompress (and maybe work on my own game!) before I start my next journey.
‘I *love* golf, I’m excited about where it’s going and I remain committed to beating it in new and exciting ways. Hit it hard.’
As Rapaport explained in the episode, his contract expired at the end of last PGA Tour season and he has been analyzing his future.
“I have zero negative emotions about Fore Play or Barstool or any of the three beautiful faces I’m looking at,” Rapaport told his colleagues.
But in his departure, he seemed to subtly criticize the way the company had changed since he joined, in what could have been seen as an unintended dig at founder Dave Portnoy.
“The business is a little different than when I came in,” Rapaport explained. “I think I’m a little different than when I came in… when I came in, we were competing with ESPN, it was a different atmosphere.”
Just over a year ago, Portnoy bought back the company he started for the price of $1 after parent company PENN Entertainment decided to rebrand the old Barstool Sportsbook app as ESPN Bet and signed a deal with the global sports leader.
According to LinkedIn, Rapaport joined Barstool Sports in August 2022 after working at GolfDigest and Sports Illustrated.