Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is donating $500,000 toward coronavirus relief and an undefined amount to help cover the salaries of those employees who will have them temporarily reduced during this worldwide pandemic, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
This is quite the hefty donation from the All-Star big man, one that should help his Philly community during this trying time.
The Sixers announced they will slash salaries up to 20% for a few employees to help the franchise stay afloat throughout this 2019-20 season hiatus. Contracted employees have until Thursday to decide whether they will agree to that proposal, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The salary slash applies only to Sixers and New Jersey Devils employees making over a $50,000 salary. Only at-will employees making over $50,000 are required to accept those terms. Those under contract would have to agree to those terms as “volunteers.”
Executives such as Sixers GM Elton Brand, Devils president Jake Reynolds, Sixers president Chris Heck and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment CEO Scott O'Neil have agreed to participate in the program, but some remain on the fence, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times.
While this measure was taken as a way to avoid potential mass layoffs, there's apprehension about committing to giving back money — especially with the uncertainty surrounding employment futures.
Despite being the franchise player, Embiid is the third highest-paid player on the team, making $27.5 million this season as part of his max-scale rookie contract extension.
His donation should go a long way for helping those affected by this worldwide pandemic — certainly a gesture that will be met with plenty of appreciation.
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