Papa Johns

[Tresbn00]

Is blaming the National Football league for declining profits. John Schnatter, Papa John's CEO, has pulled commercials from being aired during football games for the first time since becoming a sponsor in 2001 and stated that the anthem protests are polarizing the viewer, customer and the country. National Football League ratings are down five percent from the same time last year. I remember when I used to go to every National Basketball association game and every major league baseball game in my city until the players and owners got greedy at which time I quit cold turkey and have not watched a game in thirty years. I love football but am starting to wean myself from watching it because I think that there is a time and a place for protesting and neither are during a football game. I am skipping my team's game this evening (love the Packers) to get some work done-not even watching the score.

[seesawing]

This situation is getting worse.  Note:

"...the ratings for “Sunday Night Football” in. Deadline reports:

Pulling focus to last night's sometimes fog drenched SNF, the NBC broadcast game snared a 9.6/16 in metered market results.

Up a scant 2%, that's pretty steady with last week's SNF season low when the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Detroit Lions and SNF faced a very dramatic Game 5 of the 2017 World Series. That 8:30 – 11:30 PM ET game result went on to draw a NFL tepid 4.8/15 among adults 18-49 and 13.86 million viewers. Even with a season of ratings slides, that was a rare loss of a Sunday for the NFL and the Comcast-owned net to the 5.3/17 and 18.94 million that the baseball game and Fox scored.

Year-to-year, last night's Raiders vs. Dolphins battle declined 18% from the early numbers of the comparable game of last year, which Oakland won."

[gtdoss]

I've never been much of a sports watcher, but I totally understand why the fans are pulling away from the NFL. Football, in my opinion, was never very politicized in the past, therefore people from all walks could enjoy it. Now it's just another polarizing entity, which we don't need any more of.

[stretch1967]

Ive never tried his pizza. That protest is ridiculous. They are disrespectful not standing

[michele2042]

What I wonder about is those people who are protesting the protesting by not watching, not purchasing merchandise is have they realized they are also hurting the players who are standing.  They are also hurting all the little folks who work in professional football.   I'm not sure but it can probably be researched, I believe there are more "regular" folks employed by the NFL than there are football players.   Ticket takers, concession workers, janitors and so many others.   

[vg7405]

Is it a coincidence that the whole "kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem" as a form protest really took off once Donald Trump became President? I'm just saying.

[ghunter]

If people would read, it is not about the National Anthem!! We knee to pray, we knee for a sign of unity.  It is all about not be treated right in this world and I agree with michele2042 what about the little people, regular folks that work to earn a living.  A lot of people not put their hands across their hearts for the Pledge to the Flag and that's their right, come on people we all have rights to do as we see fit.

[Tresbn00]

"If people would read"...the original post (please read) was about the timing-nothing about the National Anthem. The majority of National Football League viewers are not watching the game for political statements/judgement. Dennis Miller would have lasted longer as a sportscaster if viewers wanted anything other than football. Why not use some of the millions that these players make to pursue proactive routes to ending perceived oppression? The comment about kneeling to pray was dismissed because it had nothing to do with the statement or anything remotely related to the NFL's downfall at this time.  Have these over-paid, kneeling, egotists invest in community centers or, better yet, invest in commercial time to view their beliefs on the oppressed. The Seahawks have started doing community service-why doesn't that catch on? The players who are standing should explain that the protest should be carried on in a different venue and that they are there for one reason-to play football

[snuggleycutejc]

Love USA

[freedavis]

Really surprised at papa johns situation with race.  love there pizza

[sbenkoski]

I have not watched a game since this started.... and now i'm glad to be done with it for good!

[gaby_ro_2004]

I don't watch football so i have no idea.

[freedavis]

Not buyinf from there anymore.;

[betlynjua]

Personally, I have backed off considerably from viewing football.  My decision for that is based on things other than anthem protests, even though I can understand why so many people are outraged by it all.

As far as Papa John's is concerned: The pies are way too salty for me.  I get my pizzas elsewhere.

[hawkeye3210]

Is it a coincidence that the whole "kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem" as a form protest really took off once Donald Trump became President? I'm just saying.

This started when last year when Obama was president.