The reaction to John Schnatter’s use of the N-Word has been swift. In Louisville, where Papa John’s corporate headquarters reside, the University has taken his name off the business center and will rename the football stadium. Major League Baseball has suspended their “Papa Slam” promotion where customers can receive 40% off if a grand slam is hit. Derek Jeter didn’t hesitate, and the Miami Marlins cut ties with Papa John’s.
Then the wave of individual teams suspended their relationship with the company:
- New York Yankees
- Washington Nationals
- Minnesota Twins
- Kansas City Royals
- Seattle Mariners
- Baltimore Orioles
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Texas Rangers
- Atlanta Braves
The only team that hasn’t in Major League Baseball is the Chicago White Sox. A team spokesperson released a statement yesterday to NBC Chicago.
“We will continue to monitor the situation over the All-Star break, consistent with MLB’s approach, and then take any appropriate steps, if any, before our team returns home for our first homestand of the second half.”
The key phrase in the team’s statement is “If any.” For an organization that beams with pride for their Amateur City Elite program, and the long-established charitable work headed by Christine O’Reilly helping inner-city African American children, this is a bizarre decision by the White Sox. While the league itself and all other teams are not participating in any marketing campaigns with Papa John’s, the White Sox have decided to put themselves on an island in continuing to promote the brand.
Why?
Does Jerry Reinsdorf and the White Sox need money that badly?
I do admit in years past when money was tight, I took advantage of the promotion when there was a Papa John’s just down the street from me. At the time it wasn’t about quality when consuming food. More focused on how many calories I could stuff on the fewest amount of dollars spent. The garlic butter sauce helped wash down any poor attempt they call a pizza crust at Papa John’s, but no more.
There will be some that defend Papa John’s saying that it was just one man that made these comments, and not the entire company. Sure, I might buy that argument if the company didn’t have his name in it or that his face is plastered on every marketing piece. New leadership at Papa John’s have made the decision to take down his likeness, but it might help to change the name, too. In this case, yes, its OK to punish a whole company when one person made a derogatory comment. Especially when this comment was made in May, and we are now hearing about it in July. The board knew, and repercussions are only taking place because of the public outcry. They were willing to let it slide until they realize that their sales were going to go down if no action took place. Some corporate moral backbone, Papa John’s.
Which brings back the White Sox team statement. They say their decision is “Consistent with MLB’s approach,” but the league has suspended all promotions immediately, not waiting till after the All-Star break. The White Sox are which contradicts their statement they are following MLB's approach to the matter. I checked to see if the promo code SOXWIN still worked after the White Sox victory over the Royals last night. Sure enough, it does.
This is a poor decision by the White Sox chief marketing officer Brooks Boyer and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. For an organization that resides on the south side of Chicago and has a significant minority fanbase they cannot stand by a company when it’s CEO uses the N-Word. Instead of waiting until after the All-Star break, the White Sox should just cut all ties entirely with Papa John’s and find a new sponsor for pizza promotions. I’m sure one of the hundred’s in Chicago could find a way to make a deal with the White Sox.
For how ugly this season has been on-the-field the White Sox don’t need the bad press for their off-the-field decisions. There’s not enough garlic butter sauce in the world to wash this terrible taste out.
