76ers reverse course on plan to cut staff salaries

The Philadelphia 76ers ownership group has reversed course and won't cut staff salaries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic's economic impact, the team announced Tuesday.

"After listening to our staff and players, it's clear that was the wrong decision," owner Josh Harris said in a statement. "We have reversed it and will be paying these employees their full salaries. ... To our staff and fans, I apologize for getting this wrong."

Earlier Tuesday, salaried employees of the 76ers and New Jersey Devils - which are both owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment - were notified of temporary pay cuts of up to 20% and a switch to a four-day workweek.

Meanwhile, contract employees - including coaches and front-office staff - were reportedly told they had until Thursday to voluntarily accept the 20% reduction.

76ers co-owner Michael Rubin was "outraged" by the move, and it's believed he was not part of the decision-making process, sources told Stadium's Shams Charania.

The news followed 76ers center Joel Embiid saying he would commit $500,000 to medical relief and affected team employees in response to the coronavirus outbreak.