There has been growing speculation that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones may be behind Papa John's owner John Schnatter's recent remarks blaming national anthem protests for its diving pizza sales and stock divestments. Many have drawn such a conclusion given the magnitude of Jones' stake in the company.
Years before Papa John's became the official pizza sponsor of the NFL, it was actually the official pizza sponsor of Jones' Cowboys. While Papa John's has been sponsoring America's Team since 2004, it didn't assume the league's official sponsor tab until 2010. Since then, fans have become familiar with Schnatter for his appearances in commercials alongside Peyton Manning and others, as Papa John's enjoyed regular promotion during Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays slate of weekly games.
Meanwhile, Jones has benefited greatly. It is reported that the 75-year-old billionaire owns more than 100 Papa John's franchises around the state of Texas, thus giving all the more reason for the anti-protest owner to be furious over fans boycotting football. A recent Forbes report cited shares dipping some 11% and the company losing $70 million in a 24-hour-span earlier this week. As of Wednesday Papa John's reported the value of its shares at a three-month low of $62.14.
Schnatter has been in the headlines since it was revealed that he blamed the NFL's front office for showing "an example of poor leadership,” for not putting an end to protests. The statement appeared to echo one Jones made last month when he is reported to have begun pressing for an official policy requiring players to stand for the National Anthem.
Source: nypost.com
