The Seahawks announced a multiyear deal with Pizza Hut to become the official pizza sponsor of the team, which recently dropped Papa John's following Founder John Schnatter's controversial comments. This marks the first local NFL team deal for Pizza Hut, which in February became the league's official pizza sponsor (THE DAILY). The Seahawks said that the club has been "working on the deal for months." PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Darin Gantt wrote that "seems reasonable" considering the NFL's league-level deal with Pizza Hut inked in February (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 7/18). In Seattle, Bob Condotta wrote the naming of a new pizza sponsor normally would "barely elicit more than a quick glance." But after the "recent controversy involving Papa John's and racially insensitive remarks" from Schnatter, which "resulted in sports teams disassociating" with the company, pizza sponsorships are suddenly in the news (SEATTLE TIMES, 7/19).
GETTING BACK TOGETHER: In Tampa, Marc Topkin noted the Rays "reinstated the discount pizza promotion with Papa John's based on actions taken by corporate officials" after Schnatter's resignation. The Rays had "suspended the promotion" last Thursday following the initial controversy (TAMPABAY.com, 7/18).
