Papa John’s Apologizes For Blaming Its Problems On NFL Protests. Also, F*** Neo-Nazis

Earlier this month, Papa John’s threw a fit.

The net worth of John Schnatter, founder and CEO of pizza chain Papa John’s, fell $70 million in less than 24 hours after the company released its third-quarter financial report on Tuesday afternoon. The business beat estimates on earnings and revenue, but it lowered guidance on same-store sales for the coming period.

Investors were not pleased with that news and sent shares down 11% through 12:30 pm Eastern Time on Wednesday. The stock is now trading at just over $60 per share.

Because Papa John’s is a YUUUGE sponsor of the NFL, Schnatter directly attributed the company’s issues to the NFL players’ protests.

“The NFL has hurt us,” Schnatter said. “We are disappointed the NFL and its leadership did not resolve this.”

When it comes to nationally recognized pizza chains, I’m more of a Pizza Hut girl myself (deep dish pizza with onions and peppers and an extra side of marinara– YES PLEASE), so I didn’t really feel strongly about Schnatter’s statement. Whatev.

LOL @ Papa Johns blaming the NFL for their poor sales. 😂😂 The fact that their pizza is complete garbage couldn't possibly be a factor.

— mmmmK 🥃 (@RedPenRants) November 1, 2017

Well folks. Papa John’s has had a change of heart. The company issued an apology.

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

PS. EFF NEO-NAZIS.

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

#TheResistance isn’t satisfied with the company’s response. It’s unfortunate. Papa John’s thought the eff neo-Nazis thing would win them over for sure!

You don’t need to “work with” them. They want to protest. They don’t need your permission or to compromise to benefit you.

— rachel kiley (@rachelkiley) November 15, 2017

We hear you. We just want to be clear that we support the players’ movement to create a new platform for change. We want to help if we can.

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

so, help then – support the movement against police killing people of color. put your marketing where your mouth is

— tammaye (@tammaye) November 15, 2017

Thank you for your feedback. We are working with the players and league to find a positive way forward. Stay tuned.

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

Protest is supposed to make people uncomfortable to get people to figure out how to fix the problems, not how to fix a protest to make it more comfortable for you. Either support protest as is or step aside.

— Chrissy B (@Kivrin01090708) November 15, 2017

When it became obvious our position wasn’t clear we decided to act. Sorry for the delay.

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

I thought you were just repeating what Jerry Jones told you to say.

— Ricky Jones (@revrickydean) November 15, 2017

Absolutely not. When it became obvious our position wasn’t clear we decided to speak up.

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

You can tell @PapaJohns founder didn't write any of that… Feel bad for whoever is trying to fix his past statements…

— miguel diaz (@mdiaz139) November 15, 2017

John helped write and endorsed.

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

Nope, too late.

When you acknowledge that the kneeling protests ONE thing only, specifically police brutality against minorities, and that the protests do not disrespect either the military nor our flag, THEN I MIGHT consider eating your shitty pizza again.

I really doubt it.

— Juliethe RealJules (@JTRJules) November 15, 2017

We get it. We understand and will work to gain back your trust.

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

hey @PapaJohns no. no your statements weren't about business they were about race because your owner is a racist asshole. He said what he believed & he has that choice. We as people have a choice not help him get any richer: https://t.co/JZDJxAdbLA

— I am Dani (@ashuping) November 15, 2017

Nah…the intention was clear.

You dog-whistled to white supremacists. https://t.co/PYUPjagOtT

— DeepState (@RKJ65) November 15, 2017

Ridiculous. Everyone who believes that players should STAND for the national anthem is a white supremacist? Get a life, loser.

You can’t win with these people. Papa John’s shouldn’t even bother.