MIAMI _ Unlike the Miami Marlins, who have severed ties with the Papa John's after revelations that founder John Schnatter used a racial slur about African-Americans during a conference call in May, the Miami Heat said Thursday that the team remains "in a holding pattern" regarding their marketing and promotional partnership with the pizza chain.
According to a Heat spokesman, the team's agreement with Papa John's is handled locally and, "we don't want to penalize local ownership and the employees who live in our community."
Among the Heat's partnerships with Papa John's has been a specially priced ticketing promotion as well as a code for discount pizza after the team's victories.
"We don't want to hurt businesses in town that had nothing to do with this controversy," the spokesman said.
Earlier this month, the Marlins issued a statement that read, "The Marlins are committed to an inclusive environment for all of our fans. Mr. Schnatter's derogatory and insensitive comments are not at all reflective of the values of our organization. As such, the Marlins are immediately suspending our relationship and promotions with the Papa John's brand."
Major League Baseball also suspended its promotion with the pizza chain that allowed for 40 percent off pizza after any grand slam in baseball, with the University of Louisville, located in the chain's home market, to remove the name of the company from its football stadium.
Schnatter resigned as chairman of the board of the national pizza chain two weeks ago, with the company saying Schnatter will no longer be featured in its marketing or branding efforts.
Earlier this year, in the wake of NFL protests during the national anthem, that league and Papa John's announced they had mutually agreed to end their sponsorship agreement, with the company continuing local partnerships with 22 NFL teams.
The NBA has taken a more progressive stance with social issues, including Heat players and coaches locking arms while standing at attention during the anthem the past two seasons.
Thursday, Forbes.com reported, "Based on interviews with 37 current and former Papa John's employees _ including numerous executives and board members _ Schnatter's alleged behavior ranges from spying on his workers to sexually inappropriate conduct, which has resulted in at least two confidential settlements."
