Dimensions

barstoolHeight 108cm, Width 56cm, Depth 58cm

Seat height: 65cm

Barstool began in 2003 as a weekly print publication distributed for free at transit stops in the Boston metropolitan area that offered gambling advertisements and fantasy sports projections but later expanded to encompass other topics. It launched on the Internet in 2007.[1][2] The site was headquartered in Milton, Massachusetts, identifiable with a cardboard sign with the site's name written in ballpoint pen.[1]

Portnoy hired Kevin Clancy in 2009 and launched Barstool New York, the blog's first major move outside the Boston area. Barstool ceased publication of the print version in 2010 and transitioned to a web-only model.[1]

Early controversiesIn August 2011, the site received criticism over nude photos of American football quarterback Tom Brady's two-year-old son, which was accompanied by comments saying the child had a howitzer, which a former prosecutor suggested was sexualization of a minor.[3] Portnoy argued that the comments were meant to be humorous in tone and were not intended to be seen as sexual.[3]

The satirical nature of the site means that some comments have sparked debate including a post on a 2010 blog in which Portnoy said, Even though I never condone rape if you're a size 6 and you're wearing skinny jeans you kind of deserve to be raped right?[4]

Other elements that have received criticism as college humour gone too far include comments such as we don't condone rape of any kind at our Blackout Parties ... however if a chick passes out that's a gray area.[5] Portnoy, in response, has stated that, ...It's not our intent, with jokes, to poke fun at rape victims, while pointing out the satirical nature of the site's content.[6] A Northeastern University protest group called Knockout Barstool held a demonstration outside of a 2012 Blackout party at Boston's House of Blues.[7] Portnoy has been openly dismissive of the protest group, referring to them as serial protesters, nutbags and "crazy bitches