Pacers Sports & Entertainment is continuing its relationship with Papa John's and is partnering with the company as part of the NBA Cares Season of Giving.
Many professional sports organizations suspended or ended their relationships with the pizza company in July after it became public knowldge that Papa John's founder, John Schnatter, used the n-word in a May conference call. The Pacers, while condemning racism and Schnatter's language, said at the time that they would monitor the situation and evaluate their relationship with the company.
No timeline was given then for when that decision would be made.
This week, the Pacers sent out an email about a Thanksgiving dinner Wednesday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, referencing "the Pacers Season of Giving delivered by Papa John's."
The Pacers gave a statement to IndyStar Wednesday afternoon to explain their new position:
“After closely monitoring and evaluating the situation, we renewed the sponsorship agreement between the Indiana Pacers and Papa John’s. At Pacers Sports & Entertainment, we have had a long-standing relationship with Papa John’s vast network of Indiana-based franchisees to help support Hoosiers across our state. Additionally, the swift actions taken by Papa John’s International, Inc. demonstrate that the company is under new leadership and direction to support diversity and inclusion with its franchisees – which serve as the foundation of the company. We look forward to continue working with our local partners to serve our community.”
The Indianapolis Colts told IndyStar in August they would stay with Papa John's because of how the company responded to the uproar over the racial slur.