Barstool’s Big Cat Wants Ken Rosenthal ‘Out’ of Fox Baseball Coverage: ‘He’s Just a Jerk’

Key Takeaways

• Dan Katz demands Rosenthal’s removal from Fox broadcasts.
• Rosenthal previously apologized after Milwaukee camera incident.
• Rosenthal remains Fox’s top baseball insider despite controversy.
• Barstool’s partnership with Fox amplifies internal media tensions.
• Viewer backlash may influence future on‑air talent decisions.

Summary

Fox Sports featured veteran reporter Ken Rosenthal on its World Baseball Classic broadcasts, where he conducted high‑profile interviews with Team USA figures. Dan "Big Cat" Katz of Barstool Sports publicly called Rosenthal a "jerk" and demanded his removal from Fox’s baseball coverage, referencing a prior on‑air altercation with a camera operator. Rosenthal later apologized for the Milwaukee incident but has continued to serve as Fox’s lead baseball insider. The dispute highlights tension between Barstool’s on‑air talent and Fox’s established reporting team.

Pulse Analysis

Fox Sports leveraged the World Baseball Classic to showcase its premier baseball talent, anchoring the telecast with veteran reporter Ken Rosenthal. His interviews with Team USA’s manager and rising star pitcher Paul Skenes provided viewers with insider access, reinforcing Fox’s reputation for comprehensive coverage. Rosenthal’s presence also serves as a bridge between traditional broadcast journalism and the digital age, where real‑time news breaks across multiple platforms.

The controversy erupted when Barstool Sports host Dan "Big Cat" Katz used his popular "Pardon My Take" podcast to label Rosenthal a "jerk" and call for his dismissal from Fox’s baseball lineup. Katz referenced a 2025 incident in Milwaukee where Rosenthal’s confrontation with a cameraman went viral, arguing that such behavior should be a career‑ender. While Rosenthal issued a public apology, his continued prominence illustrates the resilience of established media figures amid social‑media‑driven criticism. The episode underscores the growing influence of podcast personalities in shaping public perception of mainstream journalists.

For Fox, the dispute arrives at a delicate moment in its partnership with Barstool Sports, which supplies talent for the FS1 morning show. Balancing Barstool’s outspoken style with Fox’s journalistic standards may force the network to reevaluate on‑air talent decisions, especially if viewer sentiment shifts. Industry observers note that such internal conflicts could set precedents for how legacy broadcasters manage relationships with digital‑first personalities, potentially reshaping talent contracts and editorial oversight across sports media.