As 76ers Cut Employee Salaries, Joel Embiid Steps In To Help

PHILADLEPHIA, PA — The day after the Philadelphia 76ers' billionaire owners announced they were cutting employee salaries amid the coronavirus crisis, millionaire superstar Joel Embiid has pledged $500,000 to medical relief efforts, according to reports. He also said he'd help out employees impacted by the cuts, before owners changed their minds.

Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment announced Monday that salaried, full time workers of both the Sixers and the NHL's New Jersey Devils would receive 20 percent pay cuts and are moving to a four day work week as the outbreak continues.

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Owner Josh Harris abruptly reversed course, apologized, and said full salaries would be paid mere hours after Embiid's announcement.

>>76ers Reverse Course, Will Pay Employees Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Embiid's $500,000 will go towards "survival and protection efforts" in the local community, as reported by ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

No monetary figure was announced for how Embiid planned to help employees, as that would have varied depending one each individual case.

The principal owner of the Sixers, Josh Harris, is worth $3.7 billion, according to Forbes.

Part-owner Michael Rubin was reportedly "upset and outraged" by the initial decision to reduce salaries, according to NBA writer for The Athletic, Shams Charania.

While Embiid always seems have one toe dipped in controversy, he's been unfailing in his proclaimed love for Philadelphia and its fans, staying light-hearted even when going through brief periods of strife with the crowd. Hours after resolving a squabble with fans by leading the team to a huge win over the Los Angeles Clippers, he wrote on Twitter:

"BROTHERLY LOVE."