NFL chief cuts annual salary

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NEW YORK, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell took a 20 percent pay cut Wednesday because of the poor condition of the U.S. economy.

It is the latest in a series of cost-cutting move made by the league's New York headquarters, NFL Films in Mount Laurel, N.J., and the NFL Network and NFL.com, both located in Los Angeles.

Goodell was to receive about $11 million in salary and bonuses this year. Last month, he decided not to take an increase to his annual compensation as part of the league-wide salary freeze for employees, despite a contract that said he is entitled to an automatic pay raise.

"These and other steps by our office and clubs will enable us to be more efficient and better positioned for future growth," said NFL spokesman Greg Aiello.

A total of 76 employees have accepted voluntary separation package, 45 positions were eliminated and 48 open positions won't be filled.

Additionally, the league estimated that as many 12 franchises have laid off about a combined 200 people in the past few months.