Better ingredients. Better pizza. Better support?
Papa John’s took a stand Tuesday by publicly backing Peyton Manning amid the Denver Broncos quarterback’s ongoing HGH controversy. The company released a statement citing its positive relationship with Manning, who has endorsed Papa John’s since 2011.
“Papa John’s is aware of the speculation,” a company spokesperson said in a statement, per FOX Business. “During the course of our relationship, Peyton has represented himself, the game of football and Papa John’s with the utmost honor and integrity. Furthermore, he has been a trusted friend. It is a shame for all his hard work, to have one of the greatest come backs against all odds, that he has to deal with these allegations.”
Manning’s name recently was mentioned in an Al Jazeera documentary linking several high-profile athletes to performance-enhancing drugs. The report alleged Manning’s wife, Ashley, received several shipments of HGH from an Indianapolis-based anti-aging clinic, the Guyer Institute, while the quarterback recovered from multiple neck surgeries in 2011.
Manning since has vehemently denied ever receiving HGH, but the documentary has generated plenty of buzz, especially with Charlie Sly, the pharmacist who mentioned Manning’s name to an undercover reporter, later recanting his story.
The Broncos and Manning’s former team, the Indianapolis Colts, each issued statements backing the veteran QB. Others, like New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, also have expressed support.
Nationwide Insurance, another Manning sponsor, hasn’t gone the Papa John’s route, but he still was featured prominently on the company’s Twitter and Facebook pages as of Wednesday afternoon.
“Nationwide is aware of the reports involving Peyton Manning and is monitoring the situation,” Nationwide said Monday in an emailed statement, according to Columbus Business First.
Thumbnail photo via Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports Images
