With the news of former Papa John’s CEO John Schnatter’s recent racist remarks, Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium might be in need of a name change. We here at Big Red Louie would like to offer some possible suggestions.
In May, John Schnatter, now former chairman and CEO of Papa John’s Pizza made racist remarks while on a conference call with marketing agency Laundry Services. He used a racial slur while explaining Colonel Sanders never faced any professional backlash because of his racism. This has caused fans, players, and the University alike to take a look at the football stadium, which of course is named Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.
Once these comments came out to the public, Schnatter gave a half-assed apology and resigned as chairman of the board of Papa John’s. Now, UofL has been put in the wonderful position of having to decide whether or not to remove Schnatter’s former business from the name of our football stadium. UofL has come out with very conflicting statements regarding the naming rights of the stadium.
Since the release of the news on Wednesday, several current and future Louisville football stars have taken to Twitter and other platforms to announce their displeasure with playing in a stadium covered in Papa John’s logos. Though Schnatter has stepped away from the company, he owns the naming rights to PJCS personally. A piece written by Kate Howard of the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting details this:
"“Schnatter holds the naming rights to the stadium under his own personal agreement with the university. His publicly traded pizza company has a sponsorship agreement with the school’s athletic association.”Schnatter’s agreement specifies:Schnatter can donate either cash or shares of publicly traded corporations.He receives charitable contribution letters from U of L that note the university “did not provide any goods or services” to Schnatter in exchange for the contribution.If the stadium were to include a “wishing well” or any other charitable solicitation, Schnatter can pick the charity that benefits.If Schnatter asks for a new stadium name, he would have to cover the costs of changing the logos and signage.In 1996, the naming rights were a $5 million arrangement — a $4 million contribution from Schnatter and a $1 million sponsorship from his company. The separate deals have since been amended and extended as Schnatter and his company have given millions more."
Papa John’s has been a great corporate partner over the last several decades, and it’s important to not forget that Schnatter has donated quite a bit of money. However, that shouldn’t matter when making this decision.
While it’s best that Louisville moves quickly to appease those who actually play inside of the stadium and have voiced displeasure, the University seems to be taking this slowly in order to make the proper decision.
ICYMI: Neeli Bendapudi (@UofLPresNeeli) says UofL is reevaluating the name of Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium in light of John Schnatter’s racial slur. She also says this is an opportunity for all members of the UofL community to consider what they can do to be more inclusive. #L1C4 pic.twitter.com/4pGwyGMQvf
— Best Videos (@ViralTw33ts_) July 12, 2018
On the flip side, Kenny Klein said:
Per @GoCards spokesman Kenny Klein, #UofL does not have any plans to remove the Papa John’s name from the football stadium. #L1C4 @CardsRadio @790KRD @840WHAS @TalkRadio1080 #Louisville
— Will Clark (@WClark_TV) July 11, 2018
So that’s fun.
At the same time, current Cards Seth Dawkins and Jaylen Smith are on board with changing the name:
AT ALL https://t.co/84JlAPznli
— Jaylen Smith (@JaylenSmith_12) July 12, 2018
As you can see, Louisville can’t get out of it’s own way. That’s where I come in. I’d like to propose a few possible name changes for Cardinal Stadium. These suggestions are in no particular order.
#1. Howard Schnellenberger Cardinal Stadium
I don’t think an explanation is needed here
#2. Lamar Jackson Cardinal Stadium
Why wait to retire his number when we can just rename the stadium after him? Not only did Lamar bring Louisville it’s first Heisman winner and yet another first round draft pick, but he’s just an awesome guy. Slight over reaction to how much we love Lamar? Probably. But I’m gonna run with it.
Likelyhood: Pigs have a better chance at flying
#3. 1-Tom-Drexler Cardinal Stadium
Did you know Tom Drexler’s name is his number? If UofL goes the way of another corporate sponsor, why not have the guy who’s name is his number.
#4. Dominos Cardinal Stadium/Pizza Hut Cardinal Stadium
Let’s stick it to Papa John’s and go to his closest competitors. That’ll show him. That being said, if we wanted to do something more local…
#5. Spinelli’s Cardinal Stadium
Much better.
#6. Riverlink Cardinal Stadium
I’m sure with as many fines as they’ve collected for lack of and late payments on the toll bridges, they’d have the cash to name the stadium.
#7. Chuck Smrt Cardinal Stadium
…
Just Kidding…
#8. “Insert Bourbon Brand” Cardinal Stadium
Yet again, I don’t think an explanation is needed.
#9. Cardinal Marching Band Cardinal Stadium
Let me explain. Why not just start from scratch? Give the band the stadium and build a new one. The damage has been done and we need to move on. I may or may not have been in the band while at UofL (I was totally in the band).
#10. Morgan & Morgan Cardinal Stadium
“A stadium by the people for the people” You get that banner back John Morgan and you can put your name on any and every stadium in Louisville. Deal?
#11.
https://twitter.com/johndenverqueen/status/1017578924061192192
I think we’ve found our winner.
Got any other suggestions? Send them to @bigredlouie on twitter.
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