Spring Break
The Pro Side: Goodell's pay cut shows commitment to NFL
Mike Mauro
Issue date: 2/26/09 Section: Sports
Jim Calhoun's outburst regarding his salary when asked if he should give a portion of it back to UConn during these tough economic times was splattered across ESPN, Calhoun was criticized for his reaction.
And while it is very difficult to expect someone to give back any amount of money they earn, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is doing just that for the NFL, taking at least a 20 percent pay cut from the more than $11 million worth of compensation he is expected to earn in the 2009 fiscal year.
Goodell made the decision after the NFL has seen its personnel and staff decreased by 15-percent because of the recent economic recession. Even though the NFL is a money-making machine and easily makes the most money of all the major sports, it has been hit by the economic downturn, a good indicator of how much it will be affected is the sales of tickets for next season.
Most teams have decided not to raise ticket prices for their fans, but financial struggles for families may preclude them from spending money on luxuries such as football and any of the other major sports, which have all become very expensive for a family to attend.
Car companies and the auto industry are major sponsors for the NFL as well, and they are sure to take a hit in terms of sponsorship money because of the industry's continued plight.
Goodell's decision is admirable and shows his commitment to the league. It will be interesting to see if any other commissioners, owners, coaches or players take similar routes and make themselves look good in the eyes of the public. However, asking people to hand over money that is rightfully due to them generally will not workout.
And while it is very difficult to expect someone to give back any amount of money they earn, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is doing just that for the NFL, taking at least a 20 percent pay cut from the more than $11 million worth of compensation he is expected to earn in the 2009 fiscal year.
Goodell made the decision after the NFL has seen its personnel and staff decreased by 15-percent because of the recent economic recession. Even though the NFL is a money-making machine and easily makes the most money of all the major sports, it has been hit by the economic downturn, a good indicator of how much it will be affected is the sales of tickets for next season.
Most teams have decided not to raise ticket prices for their fans, but financial struggles for families may preclude them from spending money on luxuries such as football and any of the other major sports, which have all become very expensive for a family to attend.
Car companies and the auto industry are major sponsors for the NFL as well, and they are sure to take a hit in terms of sponsorship money because of the industry's continued plight.
Goodell's decision is admirable and shows his commitment to the league. It will be interesting to see if any other commissioners, owners, coaches or players take similar routes and make themselves look good in the eyes of the public. However, asking people to hand over money that is rightfully due to them generally will not workout.
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