76ers Joel Embiid pledges $500K to COVID-19 relief, helping team employees
Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers gestures after scoring a three-point basket for his career high 49th point during the second half of an NBA basketball game against of the Atlanta Hawks at Wells Fargo Center on February 24, 2020 in Philadelp
PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Joel Embiid is stepping up to help his community and the 76ers staff, according to reports.
A day after the 76ers announced some of the team’s staff would be asked to take pay cuts of up to 20% and shift to working 4 day weeks, Embiid had committed to helping those employees.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reports Embiid has decided to pledge $500,000 to COVID-19 medical relief, including survival and protection efforts in the community.
In addition, the 26-year-old has also committed to helping the Sixers employees who would have suffered hardships due to the salary reductions announced on Monday. However, Sixers ownership announced Tuesday afternoon that they had reversed their decision to reduce staff salaries.
Embiid applauded the team's decision to reverse the salary cuts on Twitter.
"In these trying times, I'm proud of the Sixers organization for reversing course and 'doing a 180.' Let's focus on beating this coronavirus now. Let's be responsible and Trust the Process!!"
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Shelburne reports Embiid has been in self-isolation since March 11 and has been studying the best ways to help the doctors and nurses on the front lines who are treating patients with COVID-19.
Monday night Marc Stein with the New York Times reported that the 76ers temporary salary reductions will be instituted for employees making more than $50,000 starting April 15 through the end of June.
Last week, the team announced three members of their staff had tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The Sixers were among a handful of teams under the microscope when it came to COVID-19 testing after their final game before the NBA suspended the season.
The 76ers last faced the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, March, 11. Since then, Pistons forward Christian Wood has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.
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