John Schnatter resigns from University of Louisville board of trustees

Morgan Watkins | Courier Journal

Show Caption Hide Caption John Schnatter in the hot seat for using the N-word Backlash was swift after reports that Papa John's founder John Schnatter used the N-word. He's resigned as the company's chairman as well as a trustee at the University of Louisville

John Schnatter — founder of the Papa John's pizza empire — resigned Wednesday from the University of Louisville board of trustees after he admitted to using a racial slur during a business call.

Board chairman J. David Grissom announced Schnatter's resignation, which is effective immediately, late Wednesday afternoon.

The announcement came several hours after Forbes reported that Schnatter said the N-word during a May conference call. Schnatter later confirmed it had happened and apologized.

More coverage

► John Schnatter apologizes for using the N-word on Papa John's call

► NAACP says Schnatter should resign as University of Louisville trustee

Schnatter used the slur during a call with a firm hired to help him avoid public relations problems as he tried to make the point that his comments about NFL player protests of racial injustice were blown out of proportion.

“After speaking with John, I’m confident that his comments, while inappropriate, do not reflect his personal beliefs or values," Grissom said in an emailed statement. "No member of the board of trustees condones racism or insensitive language regardless of the setting.

"John has tendered his resignation from the University of Louisville board of trustees effective immediately," Grissom said. "The board appreciates his 2 years of service and thanks him for his generous support for so many years.”