Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Analyst demands an answer after controversial Raiders finish

By Olamilekan Ajayi | Last updated Dec 7, 2025 11:43 PM ET

The founder of Barstool Sports went off on social media Sunday evening after a controversial ending to the Las Vegas Raiders' 24-17 loss against the Denver Broncos. In a viral rant, Dave Portnoy called for investigations into Pete Carroll and the Raiders organization after what he referred to as "the worst beat of all time."

The final moments featured a series of events that crushed bettors who took Denver to cover the 8.5-point spread. Leading 24-14, the Broncos had the ball and the clock at their side when the Raiders were hit with a delay-of-game penalty against Denver with four seconds remaining, which allowed Las Vegas to kick a 46-yard field goal and make the final score 24-17. Portnoy vented his frustration in a video on his X post.

PRISON FOR EVERYBODY!! THAT’S THE BIGGEST RIG JOB IVE EVER SEEN. INVESTIGATE THE NFL. INVESTIGATE PETE CARROLL. IVESTIGATE THE RAIDERS!!! pic.twitter.com/hpEr1JOiqm
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) December 7, 2025

Pickett completed a 26-yard pass to Tyler Lockett that moved the Raiders to Denver's 33-yard line with eight seconds left.

What happened next? A Broncos defender was assessed a delay-of-game penalty as a Raiders player attempted to get up from the tackle, but struggled because a Denver defender was tangled with him.

The flag stopped the clock and took the ball to the Las Vegas 28-yard line, allowing the visitors one final play despite having no timeouts and no realistic chance to win.

Pete Carroll's decision to kick ignites betting controversy, speculation

Instead, Carroll elected to send in kicker Daniel Carlson to attempt a field goal. Carlson connected from 46 yards as time expired, making the final score 24-17. The field goal was meaningless for the actual game outcome, but it allowed Las Vegas to cover the 8.5-point spread.

"That's the worst beat of all time. You have to investigate the Raiders! Investigate the Raiders! What are they doing?! What the f---? That's the worst beat of all time! That is cheating!" Portnoy shouted in his video response. "Pete Carroll should be in prison. Prison for Pete Carroll. First of all. The refs, everybody. This is prison."

Carroll's first year in Las Vegas has not gone as expected, with the team sitting at 2-11 after the season began with much higher expectations given his hiring. The Raiders head to Philadelphia next week to take on the defending champions.

Olamilekan Ajayi

More must-reads: