NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and lead negotiator Jeff Pash aren’t the only league employees with reduced salaries during the lockout.
Bob Glauber of Newsday, reporting live within the bowels of league headquarters Friday, reports that all NFL employees have taken a 12% pay cut during the lockout. The size of the pay reduction will only get worse if the lockout continues until August. We’ve heard rumors of staff being let go at that point.
This part is hard to stomach. NFL players aren’t missing their considerable game checks until September, but NFL employees -- most of whom likely make a five figure salary -- have already taken a hit, just like many team employees.
At a time of unprecedented success and popularity for the sport, the league’s 32 owners are comfortable entering this embarrassing lockout, knowing full well their staffs will be the most affected.
It would be one thing if the league employees were collectively sacrificing for some grand principle in tough times, but what’s the principle here? Direct costs? Shuffling numbers on a balance sheet?
We wonder if these NFL employees, in their heart of hearts, believe in this cause. And whether owners ever consider the possibility they have lost sight of what truly matters.