Papa John’s has officially apologized for comments CEO John Schnatter recently made in which he blamed the wave of NFL players’ national anthem protests for the pizza company’s decline in sales.
Schnatter said on Nov. 1 that “NFL leadership has hurt Papa John’s shareholders” and that the protests “should have been nipped in the bud a year and a half ago.”
Here is the apology statement Papa John’s released Tuesday:
“The statements made on our earnings call were describing the factors that impact our business and we sincerely apologize to anyone that thought they were divisive. That definitely was not our intention. We believe in the right to protest inequality and support the players’ movement to create a new platform for change. We also believe together, as Americans, we should honor our anthem. There is a way to do both.”
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
“We will work with the players and league to find a positive way forward. Open to ideas from all…”
Schnatter — who often appears in the company’s commercials alongside notable celebrities like Peyton Manning — is known to be a friend of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Jones recently threatened to sue the NFL over current contract discussions with commissioner Roger Goodell. Jones and President Donald Trump, among others, have lambasted the anthem protests.
Groups of neo-Nazis and other white supremacists recently caused a stir by claiming Papa John’s as their official pizza. The company released another statement saying it refuses to sell pizza to this type of customers. Comedian Stephen Colbert commented on this news:
Papa John’s stock has dropped by nearly 13 percent since Schnatter’s remarks.
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: John H. Schnatter, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Papa John’s International, Inc. rings the NASDAQ Opening Bell at NASDAQ MarketSite on January 31, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images)
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred provided assuring words after questions arose concerning the Athletics' impending move…
UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma made history Wednesday, earning his 1,217th career victory in…
Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale was named the 2024 N.L. Cy Young Award winner Wednesday,…
With their big three finally back in action Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers suffered another setback…
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tny--EWynOQ Nike paid tribute to Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal with a 10-meter-tall animated display…
https://youtu.be/dtJoJz9hC48 Tennis legend Rafael Nadal bid a heartfelt goodbye to his devoted Spanish fans as he brought…