Shaquille O’Neal Joins Papa John’s as 1st African American Board Member

Shaquille O’Neal. (Photo: Nathan Congleton/Getty Images)

Shaquille O’Neal has joined the Papa John’s board of directors, becoming the first African American member on the board after the company’s founder resigned following his use of a racial slur.

Along with joining the board of directors, O’Neal will invest in nine Papa John’s franchises in Atlanta and serve as the pizza giant’s public ambassador.

O’Neal initially approached Papa John’s, saying, “I know that behind every large company, there are thousands of people that put their heart and soul into the business. Papa John’s is no different, and it struck a chord with me that the company is putting in the work to do better within its walls and in the communities it serves across the country.”

This is the first time O’Neal will serve as a board member for a public company. Papa John’s will pay him $8.25 million over three years.