Yankees suspend their business relationship with Papa John's

Scott Boeck | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Papa John's CEO stepping down after criticizing the NFL John Schnatter is leaving as CEO of Papa John's Pizza. No reason was given for Schnatter's decision, but he recently faced criticism for blaming protesting NFL players for slumping pizza sales.

The fallout over Papa John's founder and owner John Schnatter's racial comments continues to take a hit in the sports industry.

The New York Yankees became the fourth major league team to suspend their relationship with Papa John's, just days after Forbes reported that Schnatter used an offensive racial slur during a May training exercise.

The Baltimore Orioles, Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays ended their relationship with the pizza chain on Thursday.

“In response to the reprehensible remarks made by Papa John’s founder and owner, the New York Yankees are suspending their relationship with the company,” that Yankees said in a written statement on Friday.

Major League Baseball also suspended its "Papa Slam" promotion, which gave fans 40 percent off orders after every grand slam.

Also on Friday, the University of Louisville announced it is changing the name of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.

On Wednesday, Schnatter apologized for using the N-word during a conference call in May. He also resigned as chairman of the company he founded.