Utah Jazz

AP Source: Jazz ending sponsorship deal with Papa John's

Published Jul. 20, 2018 7:01 p.m. ET

The Utah Jazz are ending their sponsorship agreement with Papa John's Pizza after the company's founder and spokesman used a racial slur.

A person with knowledge of the team's decision confirmed the move Friday and said it was because of the controversy. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the organization will not make a formal announcement.

A number of professional and college teams have cut ties to the company over Papa John's founder John Schnatter's comment during a company conference call in May.

Schnatter apologized and stepped down as chairman but remains on the company's board. He's since said his decision to step down was a ''mistake.''

The company says it's also investigating allegations reported in Forbes that Schnatter oversaw a work culture where women were subject to sexist behavior.

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