Papa John's CEO apologizes to NFL, players for comments; blasts white supremacists

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Fans react to Vice President Mike Pence for leaving the Colts game early. Clark Wade, Jim Ayello/IndyStar

Papa John's pizza is one of the NFL's primary sponsors.(Photo: AJ Mast, AP)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — So maybe it wasn't the NFL's fault. 

Papa John's Pizza tweeted an apology for founder John Schnatter's statement from a couple of weeks ago in which he suggested the NFL's failure to control player protests during the national anthem contributed to lower sales.

That statement prompted a white supremacist publication to heartily endorse Papa John's.

On Tuesday, the pizza company apologized for any divisiveness the earlier statements may have caused.

And it sent a pointed message to white supremacists, too. It includes an emoji.

Schnatter, 55, is a Hoosier native and Ball State alumnus.

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. (1/3)

— Papa John's Pizza (@PapaJohns) November 15, 2017

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. (2/3)

— Papa John's Pizza (@PapaJohns) November 15, 2017

We will work with the players and league to find a positive way forward. Open to ideas from all. Except neo-nazis — 🖕those guys. (3/3)

— Papa John's Pizza (@PapaJohns) November 15, 2017

The movement was started last year by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who kneeled to protest what he said was police mistreatment of blacks. More players began kneeling after President Donald Trump said at an Alabama rally last month that team owners should get rid of players who protest during the anthem.

The company's stock has fallen by nearly 13% since Schnatter's comments.

More: Pizza Hut counters Papa John's NFL complaints

More: Pizza Hut 'not seeing any impact' from NFL protests on pizza sales

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The founder of Papa John's pizza says the national anthem protests that have been prevalent in the National Football League this season is hurting business, and blames the league's leadership for the struggles. Time

 

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