Goodell pledges to ‘buck’ lockout

NEW YORK (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will cut his salary to $1 if there is a work stoppage after the collective bargaining agreement expires in March.
Goodell, who makes about $10 million a year including bonuses, said in a memo to his staff Wednesday that chief negotiator Jeff Pash will do the same. Pash makes nearly $5 million a year.
Goodell also has asked the league’s compensation committee to delay any bonus payments to him until after a deal is reached with the NFL Players Association.
“Let me emphasize that we are fully committed to doing everything possible to reach a new collective bargaining agreement without any disruption to our business,” Goodell said. “The entire senior leadership team stands with me in its commitment to resolving the CBA issues with the player’s union.
“While several other executives have also volunteered to make additional reductions to their compensation, I have asked them not to take that step at this time as we continue our negotiating efforts.”
Union chief DeMaurice Smith has predicted the owners will lock out the players after the March 4 expiration of the contract with the league. Smith tweeted in reaction to Goodell’s pledge: “NFL executives reducing salaries in the event of a lockout? If we have a deal by Super Bowl, I’ll go down to 68 cents.”
NFLPA communications director Carl Francis was not impressed by Goodell’s memo.
“I have been around long enough to know that this decision is irrelevant to the process,” Francis said.
“He should also guarantee there won’t be a lockout.”

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