In the wake of many professional sports teams cutting ties with Papa John's Pizza due to racist remarks by the company's founder, the Texas Rangers have become the first to re-establish their relationship.
The team issued a two-paragraph statement Wednesday announcing the return of its half-price pizza promotion, which gives fans a 50% discount on their orders the day after the Rangers score seven or more runs in a game.
"Papa John's has taken a number of meaningful steps to address the reprehensible language used by John Schnatter," the Rangers statement said. "Most importantly, the company has removed Schnatter from any role with Papa John's. The company has acknowledged the hurt that was caused and accepted responsibility for doing whatever is necessary to regain the trust of its customers, partners and employees. Papa John's has promised transparency in this effort, including hiring outside experts to conduct an audit of the company's culture and diversity and inclusion practices."
The Rangers suspended the promotion July 13 after details of a training session surfaced in which Schnatter used a racial insult.
He has since been removed as chairman of the company he founded in 1984.
Since the promotion has been on hold, the Rangers have scored seven or more runs in five games, bringing their total to 28 for the season.
The half-price promotion resumes just in time for a four-game series beginning Thursday night against the team with baseball's worst record, the Baltimore Orioles.
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