Dave Portnoy responds to Claudine Gay's resignation as Harvard President on 'Fox & Friends

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: On January 2, Claudine Gay resigned as Harvard president amid increasing pressure, with allegations of her failure to denounce anti-Semitism on campus and accusations of plagiarism.

Barstool Sports CEO Dave Portnoy joined co-host Brian Kilmeade on the January 3 episode of 'Fox & Friends' to share his reaction to the update, after he had previously claimed for Gay's resignation from the show and urged company leaders not to hire students graduating from the university.

'An apology at gunpoint'

Welcoming the self-made millionaire back on the show, Kilmeade asked Portnoy whether he would be open to hiring Harvard graduates once again now that Gay had resigned.

"I still think there are huge issues at Harvard with the corporations," began Portnoy, "And this was an apology held at gunpoint. (Gay) should have done it a long time ago."

However, he felt that this was a first step in the right direction.

"I am glad (Gay) is gone, and we will now entertain applications from Harvard again," he added.

Claudine Gay continues to be a member of the Harvard faculty

"It's very similar to what (happened) in UPenn," said Portnoy, when Kilmeade asked whether any real change would come out of Gay staying on as faculty.

"These people dig their heels in and don't want to admit that they are wrong or take responsibility. So it's a resignation, she gets pushed to another spot."

He claimed that the move allows those involved to "save face" rather than being fired outright.

"Whatever, it's still a victory," continued Portnoy. "I do think there are still major problems (with) this corporation, or whatever they call it. But they are still under intense scrutiny."

Dave Portnoy calls Bill Ackman ruthless

Billionaire hedge-fund manager and Harvard alumnus Bill Ackman was at the forefront of the right-wing campaign to have Gay removed from the position of Harvard president.

Talking about the impact that he had, Portnoy said, "That guy is ruthless. I wouldn't want him on my back."

"So it is a very good start (to) a victory," he added before the conversation shifted over to other institutions which included MIT and Michigan University.