NFL Commissioner Goodell Takes 20 Per Cent Pay Cut
26/02/2009 18:35
NEW YORK - NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is taking a pay cut and the league staff has been trimmed by 15 per cent because of the reeling economy, the NFL confirmed Wednesday.
The league said that its staff cut, announced more than two months ago, has resulted in a reduction of 169 jobs through buyouts, layoffs and other staff reductions. That amounts to just over 15 per cent of the league's work force of 1,100.
"All of us understand that it will continue to take collective sacrifice to get through this challenging economic environment, but these and other steps by our office and clubs will enable us to be more efficient and better positioned for future growth," league spokesman Greg Aiello said.
Goodell, meanwhile, voluntarily took a cut of 20-25 per cent from the US$11-million salary and bonuses he was to receive in the 2008 fiscal year, which ends March 31. He and other league executives are freezing their salaries for 2009.
The NFL announced Dec. 9 it would reduce its staff by 10 to 15 per cent. Seventy-six people took buyouts while 45 jobs were eliminated and 48 openings went unfilled. The moves affect NFL headquarters in New York, NFL Films in Mount Laurel, N.J., and the NFL Network in Los Angeles.
Teams also are reducing expenses.
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SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
The world-wide economic crisis has affected us all.