Dave Portnoy demands Salim Sirur suspension after Internet Invitational controversy

Dave Portnoy has issued a stunning ultimatum over Salim “The Dream” Sirur's Internet Invitational future, threatening to walk away from the competition if the controversial influencer is invited back in 2027.

But while the Barstool Sports founder wants Salim handed a lengthy suspension from the Internet Invitational, the Nelk Boys personality has made it clear he is desperate for another opportunity.

Salim has addressed the fallout in a podcast appearance, insisting he would love to return and promising his behaviour will never be repeated.

The contrasting positions have set up an intriguing battle ahead of next year's event, particularly after Portnoy delivered a blunt warning.

“If he is, I'm out,” confirmed Portnoy. 

Speaking on X on Friday, just 24 hours after the finale went live, Portnoy revealed the extent of his anger over Salim's conduct during the $4 million tournament.

The Barstool boss believes Salim's decision to get blackout drunk completely derailed the final match, ruining what should have been a memorable conclusion.

Portnoy was hugely complimentary about the opening stages of the 2026 edition, describing the first couple of days as even better than the inaugural tournament.

The finale, however, was an entirely different story.

He believes Salim showed a lack of respect towards the players, production team and millions of viewers who followed the series.

Despite his frustration, Portnoy did offer some sympathy towards the influencer.

“Salim's a nice kid and I hope he gets the help he needs,” he said.

However, he quickly followed that up with a brutal assessment.

“But my god he f—ing ruined it.”

Portnoy would ideally like to see Salim suspended for three to five years, although his comments suggest he could accept a minimum one-year absence.

Portnoy unmoved by Salim's apology

Salim has already addressed the controversy, acknowledging in an apology video that he has a problem and is seeking help.

He said in a video post: “I f****d up big time. I prioritized drinking over the match... I had a huge problem back in the day. I’m 90 days sober today.”

However, his reaction has done little to change Portnoy's position.

The Barstool founder believes an apology alone cannot undo the damage caused, particularly given the importance of the finale and the huge audience watching.

For Portnoy, this goes beyond a competitor simply having a bad day. He feels Salim's behaviour compromised the competition itself, meaning there must be consequences.

And with invitations for 2027 likely to become a major talking point, Portnoy has made it clear that he does not want Salim receiving an automatic second chance.

Internet Invitational organisers divided over Salim

Interestingly, Portnoy has revealed that not everyone behind the Internet Invitational agrees with his hardline stance.

A group chat involving Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports figures reportedly featured discussions about whether Salim should receive a lengthy suspension or even a lifetime ban.

However, some members believe he should return next year, potentially creating an entertaining villain-to-redemption storyline.

Portnoy is firmly against that idea.

He has suggested a three-to-five-year suspension would be appropriate, but appears willing to settle for a one-year ban rather than risk leaving the competition altogether.

That could create a significant dilemma for organisers, particularly as Portnoy has acknowledged that he does not have complete veto power over the final invitations.

Salim makes plea for Internet Invitational return

While Portnoy has threatened to walk away, Salim has made it clear he has no intention of giving up on the competition.

Speaking during a podcast appearance, the influencer addressed his future and admitted he would love to receive another invitation.

“I would love to get invited again. I hope to get invited again. I'm never going to do something like this ever again,” Salim said.

His comments suggest he is keen to put the incident behind him and earn another opportunity to compete.

However, convincing Portnoy could prove a considerably tougher challenge, particularly given the strength of his public ultimatum.

Other Internet Invitational stars escape punishment

Portnoy has also been keen to distinguish Salim's situation from controversies involving other competitors.

Wesley Bryan, Sam Heung-Min and Big John have all had their own moments of drama during or after the tournament, but Portnoy has no intention of pushing for their exclusion.

He believes the Internet Invitational thrives on its unpredictable mix of professional golfers, content creators, athletes and outspoken personalities.

Arguments, rivalries and criticism are all part of what makes the Internet Invitational entertaining.

For Portnoy, however, Salim's behaviour crossed a different line because it affected the competition itself.

The 2026 edition featured a 64-player field, including Brad Dalke, Paige Spiranac, Grant Horvat, Rick Shiels, Fat Perez, Robby Berger, Wesley Bryan and Peter Finch.

Filmed at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri, the six-episode series attracted more than 30 million viewers.

Now, attention is already turning towards 2027.

With Portnoy threatening to walk away and Salim desperate for redemption, the biggest question surrounding the 2027 Internet Invitational may be whether the two can possibly coexist.