Yankees suspend relationship with Papa John’s after founder uses N-word

Papa John’s founder John Schnatter used the N-word during a conference call in May. He resigned as the chairman of the board on Wednesday. Schnatter also resigned from the University of Louisville board of trustees. At least six MLB clubs have distanced themselves from the pizza chain.

The New York Yankees have joined the growing list of businesses which are distancing themselves from Papa John’s.

The club released this statement Friday afternoon:

“In response to the reprehensible remarks made by Papa John’s founder and owner, the New York Yankees are suspending their relationship with the company.”

Papa John’s founder John Schnatter resigned as chairman of the board on Wednesday, hours after Schnatter apologized for using a racial slur during a conference call in May.

Forbes said Schnatter used the N-word during a media training exercise. When asked how he would distance himself from racist groups, Schnatter reportedly complained that Colonel Sanders never faced a backlash for using the word.

In a statement released by Louisville, Kentucky-based Papa John’s, Schnatter said reports attributing use of “inappropriate and hurtful” language to him were true.

“Regardless of the context, I apologize,” the statement says.

The University of Louisville also said Wednesday that Schnatter resigned from its board of trustees, effective immediately.

The Washington Post reports University of Louisville President Neeli Bendapudi announced Friday the school is removing the name Papa John’s from its footballl stadium.

Imagining Yanks’ lineup with Machado

According to the Washington Post, several MLB clubs have suspended their relationships with the pizza chain, including the Nationals, Orioles, Royals, Rays, Marlins, and Mariners.

The teams were following the lead of Major League Baseball, which, as its own entity, had a promotion with Papa John’s in which fans could get a 40 percent discount on pizzas the day after players hit grand slams. MLB moved quickly Wednesday to put that arrangement on indefinite hold, according to Yahoo Sports, after the events earlier in the day, which included Schnatter apologizing for his “use of inappropriate and hurtful language … during a media training session regarding race.”

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.