“This Seems Incredibly Stupid”: Dave Portnoy Questions NFL’s Stance on Saints-Steelers Paris Game Amid Riots

Gridiron Glory ^ | October 19, 2026 | Prasen Singh

[MinorityRepublican]

Despite ongoing protests in France, the NFL still plans to hold the Week 7 game between the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Stade de France. The civil unrest began in late September due to complaints about teacher shortages, run-down buildings, and underfunded schools.

The Saints are scheduled to fly out on Sunday night for their game against the Steelers in Paris next Sunday. Over 550,000 citizens are protesting and nearly 2,000 arrests have been made across France. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy publicly questioned the league’s decision: “This seems incredibly stupid,” he wrote on X.

According to an official statement from the NFL, arrangements for the game at the Stade de France are still moving forward as planned.

“Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday,” the NFL said. “We continue to work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We are also providing the two clubs with regular updates. There’s been no disruption or impact at league sites.”

Relocating the Saints-Steelers game back to the United States on short notice presents logistical challenges. The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, the designated home stadium, is already fully booked for another event, “Playbook Sports Day,” on October 25. Meanwhile, the alternative international venue, the Stade de France, is located in Saint-Denis about 5 to 7 miles north of central Paris, making it too isolated from the main event areas.

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TOPICS: Sports
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[Flaming Conservative]

1)”The civil unrest began in late September due to complaints about teacher shortages, run-down buildings, and underfunded schools.” is a lie!
2) The decision to go ahead with the game is nuttier than squirrel poop.

[boop]

The "civil unrest" is 100% Islamist activists rioting and looting.

I hate the media so much.

Do they REALLY think that this is about underfunded schools?

[Vermont Lt]

I hate crowds, so I wouldn’t go to one of those games in the States.

This is such a huge, international target that it’s just begging for something to happen.

I guess it will be fun to watch from 5,000 miles away.

[goodnesswins]

“There’s been no disruption or impact at league sites.””

YET.

[hal ogen]

LOL! The euro soccer hooligans are topped by the “students” wanting improved education. I wonder if the NFL players can run well so as to avoid molotov cocktails and bombs???

[mass55th]

There were riots in Paris this year back in May too. The muzzies riot whenever they get the chance. They were rioting in 2005 and early 2006. I remember because I was in Paris in April 2006, not long after the riots that year ended. Frenchie goes on strike a lot over their working conditions too.

[dfwgator]

Rioting is the French National Past time. Go and lookup the 1968 May Riots in France. De Gaulle declared a National Emergency to shut them down.

[USS Alaska]

There's been no disruption or impact at league sites.

If a crazy mooselimb kills a single (or large number) of NFL players, the league will be sued into bankruptcy.

Going into foreign cities is risky enough but when the entire country is being burned to the ground, roger goodell is being his stupid self.

[Kid Shelleen]

>> Do they REALLY think that this is about underfunded schools? <<

I have read credible sources that the young Muslim yutes were concerned about their future careers as engineers and scientists because there were not enough AP calculus and organic chemistry courses. /S

[Flaming Conservative]

Some FReepers do. The msm knows better, but as usual, they lie.

[BookmanTheJanitor]

Never fear...the NFL is on it.

[stanne]

The NFL would go. It would be not only incredibly awkward, dangerous and embarrassing but it would prove them to be the most unable to read the room idiots that time would ever imagine

And that would be fitting, an institution that, calling itself ‘National’ and continues to play the National anthem, who knows why, doesn’t take the opportunity to present how the U.S. Anthem represents the Flag which stands for not only the Republic but for every soldier sailor or marine that fought and died for her, but instead piles on, pretending that our constitution stands for every bigoted cop whoever abused his power

The stupidity Should be on display

[montag813]

The same NFL that nearly killed Jalen Hurts can’t be expected to protect its players in Paris.

[Jolla]

1968 riots in France

My French ex-wife was 4 years old on her fathers shoulders, her first protest. Riots are in their DNA.

[ncfool]

That is quite the invitation for the Islamists to go to the NFL game in France. Get the popcorn ready. It should be

[mfish13]

These are no protests. It is anarchy. St. Denis is all Muslim. Interesting note. The Metro stop called St. Denis Basilique, one stop south in St Denis has the basilica where French kings and queens for about 700 years are buried. Pay the extra charge and go down into the crypt.

[dfwgator]

The Soixante-Retards

[vpintheak]

Will this force the frogs to call in their military?

[Gunslingr3]

They can protect things if they decide to, witness the Louvre today.