The Pirates have suspended their marketing agreement with Papa John’s Pizza, vice president of communications and broadcasting Brian Warecki said, after racially charged comments from its founder and former chairman were made public earlier this week.
John Schnatter stepped down Wednesday after Forbes reported that he used a racial slur on a conference call in May. In recent days, the Washington Nationals, Miami Marlins and New York Yankees distanced themselves from the company, and Major League Baseball reportedly suspended its “Papa Slam” promotion that provided discounts the day after grand slams were hit.
In the past, the Pirates and Papa John’s ran promotions providing 50 percent off pizzas after victories during which the Pirates scored five or more runs, as well as ticket packages including a pizza deal.