Papa John’s says the NFL has hurt sales over protests during national anthem

Papa John’s is mad at the NFL.

The official pizza (LOL) company of the NFL is angry over the protests and other demonstrations during the national anthem.

“The NFL has hurt us,” CEO John Schnatter (you know him better as Papa John) said via ABC News. “We are disappointed the NFL and its leadership did not resolve this.”

He also added that he thought the issue had been “nipped in the bud” a year ago.

The company is reportedly predicting a sales decline for its next quarter and feels the blame falls on the NFL’s shoulders. However, the company declined to disclose numbers to prove any type of loss.

Papa John’s is easily one of the most visible NFL sponsors. Peyton Manning held it down in commercials over the years, and he even kissed Papa John after he won Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos:

Manning went to find Papa John with the quickness, too. He hadn’t even gotten his championship hat, and was able to find his cash cow, give him some awkward dap, and seal it with a smooch.

Despite his long love affair with the NFL, the pizza chain giant is upset the league hasn’t put an end to players protesting police brutality and oppression against people of color.

While Papa John’s has apparently started pulling its NFL TV advertising, the league is trying to save the relationship by offering more future spots. (Suggestion: Maybe Papa John’s should make its pizza better!)

Somewhere, Papa John is telling himself that everything was fine when Manning was still playing.