• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Contact Us
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • © 2026 ABC News
NaN:NaN
  • ABC News
  • July 12, 2018

John Schnatter, a prominent University of Louisville booster who founded the Papa John's pizza chain, submitted his resignation to the school's board of trustees Wednesday after a story came to light about his use of the N-word during an internal conference call. Louisville board of trustees chairman J. David Grissom said in a statement that Schnatter resigned, though Grissom said he believed "[Schnatter's] comments, while inappropriate, do not reflect his personal beliefs or values." Papa John's announced Wednesday evening that Schnatter had resigned from the company's chairman seat.  Forbes first reported Wednesday that Schnatter participated in a conference call in May with Papa John's executives and marketing agency Laundry Service. It was meant to prepare him for an interview to try to repair his public image. Schnatter had left his position as CEO of Papa John's, which was an official sponsor of the NFL, in December after saying that NFL players should stand for the national...

Up Next in news

VIDEO: Alaska still too early to call

Alaska still too early to call

November 4, 2026
VIDEO: History made in Kansas Senate race

History made in Kansas Senate race

November 4, 2026
VIDEO: New states in play as record gas prices hit on Election Day

New states in play as record gas prices hit on Election Day

November 3, 2026

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Your Privacy Choices— 
  • Contact Us— 
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts— 

© 2026 ABC News