Major NFL Sponsor Papa John's Pizza Complains About Protests

For the first time since the protests began in 2016, a major NFL sponsor publicly states that the anthem protests against racism are adversely affecting business. John Schattner, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Papa Johns pizza, stated “[t]he NFL has hurt us. We are disappointed the NFL and its leadership did not resolve this.” The company has responded by removing the NFL shield or “official sponsor” of the NFL language from commercials.  ESPN.com.