Roger Goodell Takes a 20 Percent Pay Reduction: Gee, Thanks a Lot, Roger

I'm sorry, but I just felt I had to write about this. 

I actually have liked some of the things that Roger Goodell has done for the National Football League as Commissioner. He's taken some hard stances on NFL players like Adam Jones, Chris Henry, and Tank Johnson.

At the same time, there are also actions that he's taken that have caused many fans of the NFL to rename the league the "No Fun League."

But this latest action, taking a 20 percent pay cut, is nothing more than a token to the fans.

He was slated to receive approximately $11,000,000 in salary and bonuses. Now 20 percent may sound like a lot, and in the grand scheme of things for us regular people, a 20 percent pay reduction would force us to cut back and sacrifice some luxuries.

However, 20 percent of $11,000,000 is $2,200,000.

"Wow!" you say. 

I agree, that is a lot of money to give up, until you realize his salary is still $8,800,000.  Dang, Goodell, looks like you'll have to start eating cat food for the next few months.

The average salary of a person who holds a bachelors degree is about $50,000. If forced to take a pay reduction of 20 percent, that number drops to $40,000. In these times, people will take it, but will be living from paycheck to paycheck and most likely fall behind on some bills.

This isn't meant to be a slam on Goodell. But if he thinks he is making a "sacrifice," how about he reduces his salary to $250,000 per year and save the 169 jobs the NFL is cutting instead?

My reaction to Goodell's gesture is visceral. Executives who get these types of stratospheric salaries are living in a dream world if any of them think for one second they can relate to the millions of suffering Americans who want nothing more than to provide for themselves and their families. 

Goodell, you want to impress me? Give those 169 laid off people their jobs back and reduce your salary to even $1,000,000 a year.

Even at that rate, you would still be able to live a comfortable life.