Barstool Sports personality “Big Ev” (Evan McDowell) is facing multiple accusations from fans that he “stiffed bookies” and “failed to repay followers” who placed bets for him.
First reported by Awful Announcing, McDowell’s subsequent disappearing act from Barstool’s gambling show, Picks Central, and on social media came shortly after the allegations were made public. He’s also been removed from Barstool’s promotional material on the DraftKings app.
The original post accusing McDowell, which was deleted along with the account, read:
“@stoolpresidente, @PicksCentral, @BarstoolBigCat, @DoubleVodkaDon big ev is a scumbag who dms stoolies for bookies then robs them and ghosts when he loses.”
Victims Tell Similar Stories About Being ‘Stiffed’
The first victim agreed to refer McDowell to his bookie, as he offered a better line on a football game. He was later told McDowell “had not paid his losing bets and had not responded to the bookie’s repeated inquiries.”
The bookie told the victim that the losses (in the mid-four-figures) would be deducted from his account.
“I’m usually a private person when it comes to gambling and things, especially when it’s not via the apps,” he shared. “I don’t like to air out people’s business, especially if it’s a misunderstanding. But when it was brought to light that this happened to other people, I realized it wasn’t just me.”
The second victim referred McDowell to a “friend of a friend” and claimed he lost more than $15,000 that went unpaid.
“I just got made aware he wasn’t paying up, so I was told I had to pay a portion of the debt for referring him,” he said. “Kinda just got caught in the middle. My buddy who had the connect is a good friend, so I didn’t want him to get screwed over.”
The individual was later informed that the bookie had been paid in full.
Two screenshots online revealed attempts to resolve payment issues. McDowell responded to one, but not the other.
“Hey man, I gotta reach out about this situation with the bookie I connected you with. I was a big fan of yours and Barstool, so I was stoked to help out when you asked, but things have gone south quick. He says you stiffed him within like two weeks, and now he’s coming at me hard, holding me responsible since I made the intro. It’s putting a real strain on my friendship with him, and honestly, I feel pretty f***** over with how quickly this happened after I vouched for you. I get that stuff happens, but can you sort this out? l’d appreciate it if you could make it right with him so this doesn’t blow up more.”
McDowell replied, “I’m taking care of it bro no worries I got you I’m not stiffing him.”
“Hey I got this guy telling me I’m gonna be on the hook for $17k if he can’t get ahold of you? He said he’s willing to figure it out but if you can reply to him would be much appreciated. I’m not looking to be in the middle of it.”
McDowell did not respond.
Radio Silence on Big Ev’s Status With Barstool
McDowell is no longer appearing on Picks Central, which canceled its live chat feature during the show, after being inundated with questions about McDowell’s status. There has been no official explanation given by Barstool.
McDowell was active on social media, but stopped posting soon after the allegations went public. That was during the Final Four, and the “lack of posts can be seen as connected with the accusations.”
One victim revealed his concern for McDowell, saying, “If Big Ev does have a problem, I hope he gets help. Gambling addiction is serious, and it’s ruined a lot of lives. I don’t want him losing his job and his income over this, but I hope he gets help if he needs it.”
