UofL Removes 'Papa John's' From Cardinal Stadium Name

(LOUISVILLE, KY) - The University of Louisville is removing 'Papa John' from it's football stadium.

School president Neeli Bendipudi says the company's name is coming off Cardinal Stadium and John Schnatter's name is coming off the Center for Free Enterprise at College of Business effective immediately.

This comes after Papa John's founder Schnatter recently admitted to using a racial slur.

Bendapudi says the decision to rename the facilities was hers but she did consult the Board of Trustees before announcing the decision.  She says they are aware of the possibility of legal action as a result of the stadium name change but calls it "the best decision to move forward."

Bendapudi says she spoke with Schnatter after the decision was made, describing him as contrite and that he apologized for what he said. She said she also spoke with Papa John's officials after the decision was made and feels they are "eager as a company to show they are truly committed to diversity."

Also up in the air at this point is whether or not the concessions stands at the stadium will contiune to sell Papa John's products. 

Bendapudi says there are no plans to seek out a new corporate naming sponsor at this time and says they will move quickly to get the Papa John's signage off the stadium.

Schnatter has resigned from his position as a member of the UofL Board of Trustees and also stepped down as chairman of the board at Papa John's International in recent days.


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