The Utah Jazz are ending their sponsorship agreement with Papa John's Pizza after the company's founder and spokesman used a racial slur, the Salt Lake City Tribune reported Thursday.
A number of professional and college teams have cut ties to the company over Papa John's founder John Schnatter's comment during a company conference call in May, which surfaced in a report by Forbes last week.
Schnatter apologized and stepped down as chairman but remains on the company's board. He's since said his decision to step down was a "mistake.''
The company says it's also investigating allegations reported in Forbes that Schnatter oversaw a work culture where women were subject to sexist behavior.
According to the Tribune, the Jazz sought the opinions of players like Donovan Mitchell and Derrick Favors, as well as coaches and staff, before making a decision to cut tites with the pizza chain.
The University of Utah also said it is considering severing ties with Papa John's.
"The University of Utah strives to be a welcoming and inclusive place for people of all backgrounds," the statement said. "As a result, the University of Utah is reviewing its Papa John's contract and evaluating other options for the Union food court. Additionally, the U. has taken immediate action to remove all images of John Schnatter from the location and is working to replace the pizza boxes featuring his image."
