A physical confrontation occurred at the Barstool Sports headquarters in Midtown Manhattan on Monday when an Uber Eats delivery driver allegedly attacked the company's security guard. The incident began after a verbal dispute over a food order.
According to Barstool founder Dave Portnoy, the delivery driver became aggressive after an interaction with an employee regarding her order. When the security guard, identified as Dan, intervened and asked the driver to leave the premises, the driver reportedly attacked him. Video footage posted by Portnoy on X shows the driver and the security guard engaged in a brawl, with the driver appearing to strike the guard multiple times and drag him on the floor.
Three other Barstool employees intervened to break up the fight and subdue the driver. The employees were able to pull the driver off the guard, and 911 was called. The New York Police Department responded to the call, which was placed around 2 p.m. for a dispute at the company's office located at 333 7th Avenue. Police confirmed that a 31-year-old man was involved in punching a 45-year-old man multiple times.
Authorities took a person of interest into custody, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing. The security guard received medical attention at the scene.
In response to the incident, Uber stated that the driver's conduct was unacceptable and that the company has removed the courier's access to its platform. "Violence is never tolerated, and we’ve removed the courier’s access to the Uber platform," an Uber spokesperson said. The company added that it is prepared to assist the police with their investigation.
Portnoy also made a public statement on X, sarcastically referencing the incident in relation to New York City politics. "Shoutout Mandami’s NYC," he wrote, alluding to a local politician.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety and disputes in delivery services operating within urban environments.