Papa John’s Pizza, which recently partnered with Denver Broncos star quarterback Peyton Manning, is in the midst of a public relations nightmare after a company deliveryman placed a racially charged call to a customer he was angry at over a tip he believed to be too small.
The incident involved a black family and took place in Sanford, Fla., the same city where unarmed teen Trayvon Martin was shot and killed last year by a self-appointed, neighborhood watchman who later told police he confronted the unarmed teen because he thought he looked suspicious.
In the pizza case, the family placed their order Sunday afternoon and tipped the driver $5, according to ABC News. Later the driver inadvertently “butt dialed” the family back, where can be overheard ranting to another driver.
"I guess that's the only requirement for being a [insert N-word] in Sanford," the unidentified driver said. "Yeah, they give me five bucks there -- fine outstanding African-American gentleman of the community."
ABC News also reported the man incorporated the N-word into a song about the customer, drawing the hearty laughter of the other driver.
At that point, the customer took to the web, explaining that he and his wife tipped 21 percent, as usual, and displaying the receipt to prove it.
Papa John’s CEO John Schnatter has since taken to his own Facebook page, where he claims both drivers have been fired, ABC reported.
Angela Weiss/Getty Images
Papa John's Pizza CEO John Schnatter arrives... View Full Size
Angela Weiss/Getty Images
Papa John's Pizza CEO John Schnatter arrives at the 47th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards on April 1, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nev.
"Friends, I am extremely concerned to learn about the reprehensible language used by two former employees in one of our restaurants," the Facebook post stated. "Their thinking and actions defy both my personal and the company's values, and everything for which this company stands.
My heartfelt apology goes out to the customer involved, his family and our community at large,” the post continued. “I am very sorry that anyone would be exposed to these hurtful and painful words by any person involved in any way with our company."
Just last year, the company announced Manning had agreed to purchase 21 Denver area restaurants and featured in a slew of commercials alongside Schnatter.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
