NFL owners and players are currently trying to negotiate a new CBA to replace the existing agreement, which will expire on March 4. However, with relations between the League and the NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA) remaining fractious, the prospect of a lockout in sport’s richest league is looming ever larger.
Goodell, who reportedly makes approximately $10 million a year including bonuses, revealed in a memo to his staff on Wednesday that chief negotiator Jeff Pash, who is said to make nearly $5 million a year, will make the same concession. According to the Associated Press, Goodell has also requested the League's compensation committee delay any bonus payments to him until after a deal is reached with the NFLPA.
"Let me emphasise that we are fully committed to doing everything possible to reach a new collective bargaining agreement without any disruption to our business," said Goodell. "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."
NFL owners opted out of the current CBA in 2008 with a number of issues causing concern, including the players' share of revenues, a projected 18-game regular season and a rookie wage scale. However, the NFLPA has declared itself unimpressed by Goodell’s latest move.
The Association’s communications director, Carl Francis, said: "I have been around long enough to know that this decision is irrelevant to the process. He should also guarantee there won't be a lockout."
