Papa John's founder blames NFL protests for declining pizza sales

Papa John's founder and CEO John Schnatter says the NFL's handling of player protests is costing him sales.

"The NFL has hurt us," Schnatter said, according to ESPN's Darren Rovell. "We are disappointed the NFL and its leadership did not resolve this."

Executives said Papa John's, which has been the official pizza sponsor of the NFL since 2010, pulled most of its NFL television advertising. The league responded by giving the company additional future spots.

"Leadership starts at the top and this is an example of poor leadership," Schnatter said, adding that he thought the issue was "nipped in the bud" a year and a half ago.

Papa John's shares fell to their lowest point in eight months Wednesday, according to Bloomberg's Craig Giammona and Eben Novy-Williams.