The founder of Papa John's has yet to properly take responsibility for the events leading to his being kicked out of his office. However, John Schnatter says he did make a mistake when he decided to step down as chairman after Forbes' published his controversial use of racist language during a conference call that took place in May. Schnatter wrote a letter which acknowledged this misstep:
“The board asked me to step down as chairman without apparently doing any investigation. I agreed, though today I believe it was a mistake to do so. I will not allow either my good name or the good name of the company I founded and love to be unfairly tainted.”
It is refreshing to witness Schnatter take some form of responsibility. He had previously claimed that he was pressured into saying the n-word during the infamous phone call. Then, he affirmed that the language was publicized out of a situation of extortion. Finally, he is taking some of the blame for his disgraceful exit from most of his professional his duties.
The entrepreneur seemed to have been playing checkers this whole time. Alas, such is life when one isn't mindful of their ego-driven actions. Then again, the letter he sent is said to be "dated" for this past Saturday, July 14th. As of the following day, Schnatter is no longer allowed to make public statements about the company in any way. The former CEO still retains 30% of the company's shares.
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