*Shaquille O’Neal‘s latest business decision has some fans thinking he’s made a deal with the devil. The NBA Hall-of-Famer and entrepreneur announced he will be joining the Papa John’s board of directors and investing in nine Atlanta-area stores.
O’Neal will also become a brand ambassador (spokesperson), netting $8.25 million over three years for the endorsement deal.But here’s why it’s controversial and dividing people.
This new development comes in the wake of a public relations nightmare for the company. In July, the founder and chairman of Papa John’s Pizza, John Schnatter, resigned after using racist language on a conference call. Not only did the brand’s image take a big hit, but sales slowed as well.
“Papa John’s is building a better culture, and I want to be a part of improving the [company] from the inside,” O’Neal said in a statement.
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Time for a pizza party! I’m excited to join @PapaJohns as a member of the Board of Directors and investor in 9 stores in #Atlanta. Excited to work with Papa John’s team members and customers – more here: https://t.co/PRXG7ORtFk pic.twitter.com/c5uj5BRuQ1
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) March 22, 2019
As you can imagine not everyone is un-pleased with the arrangement.
“I’ll start eating Papa Johns again!” one person noted on social media. Others, on the same wave-length, made their thoughts known as well:
You should. He is a true gentleman and a great salesman. Comes so Natural to him. Best of luck to your team! You gained a customer!
— Brian L (@BrianLy23213137) March 22, 2019
Every ounce of my former PR turned Loyalty pro self applauds this! Effin brilliant! Good luck to @SHAQ and @PapaJohns on your new chapter! https://t.co/PKzrN2psUj
— Tamara Oliverio (@oliveriot) March 22, 2019
I LOVVVE Papa Johns Pizza..but I love my culture more, so I’ve been “boycotting” it for some time now.. I’ve been waiting for anyone w enough green to jump on board so I can have my pizza back. Thank youuu, @SHAQ Diesel! I’m so serious!?
— Marchea (@Shake_em420) March 22, 2019
Glad to see @PapaJohns make a turn around with @SHAQ!
— Fred Nezami (@FredNezami) March 22, 2019
However, as you can imagine, there were plenty of unhappy fans, too.
“Papa John’s Founder John chnatter is No longer board Chairman after using a racial slur Shaquille O’Neal invest your money in the inner city, Give black people a chance f*** papa John’s,” one Twitter use wrote.
Others agreed this “wasn’t the move.”
This wasn’t the move shaq
— Bryce (@GodFatherTTP) March 22, 2019
This wasn’t the move shaq
— Bryce (@GodFatherTTP) March 22, 2019
This wasn’t the move shaq
— Bryce (@GodFatherTTP) March 22, 2019
shaq is now team papa johns??? pic.twitter.com/736tmkdQva
— Treelon Musk ? (@drewds12) March 22, 2019
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