Papa John Officially Steps Down As CEO Following Controversial NFL Comments

A month after blaming national anthem protests in the NFL on slumping sales for his pizza brand, “Papa John” Schnatter is stepping down as CEO.

Papa John’s CEO to step down after remarks on NFL protests drew support from white supremacists https://t.co/EVt43JKWU0 pic.twitter.com/ibOtRshwr4

— The Hill (@thehill) December 21, 2017

According to CNBC, Papa John’s founder will stay on as chairman, but that Chief Operating Officer Steve Ritchie will take over as the new CEO effective January 1st. Schnatter’s previous comments had triggered backlash against the pizza giant, which led to drops in stock price, ridicule from rivals like DiGiorno, and even a brief stint as the “national pizza of the Aryan race.”

Schnatter’s controversial comments came on an investor call, where he slammed the NFL’s “poor leadership” for what he saw as improper handling of the national anthem protests that led to declining sales for his business. Steve Ritchie would not say if these remarks were the cause for the Papa John’s leadership shakeup.

A press release from the company says that “Papa John” will “pursue his personal passion for entrepreneurship, leadership development and education.” Schnatter owns 25% of the company, which he doesn’t appear to be giving up as part of these events.

This isn’t the first time Papa John has stepped away from CEO duties for his business. Business Insider reports that in 2005, Schnatter also abdicated his position following a period of struggling sales for the pizza purveyor. He later reclaimed his role in the company in 2008.