Should NBA's Stern take pay cut?

I’ve long contended the NBA lockout won’t last as long as people think. I figured the owners had all the main bargaining power. I still think that’s the case. But this week, things seemed to turn nastier, which could hold up the end result.

All of which brings me to my subject: Should the commissioner be paid during a lockout?

According to ESPN.com, NBA commissioner David Stern earns $15 million a year; other estimates are as high as $23 million. But this story seems to indicate he’s making far less than that right now. Zero, in fact.

. espn.com

On one hand, you could say he shouldn’t cut his pay. It’s the league that’s locking out the players, not the other way around. Why take a reduction just because you’re stopping their income?

Also, if you cut Stern’s salary, what about everyone else in the league offices? Do you cut the P.R. director’s pay? The web administrator’s pay? Those people make good money, but certainly not in the millions. They can less afford to take a ceremonial cut.

On the other hand, if the league is in as much trouble as it says, it doesn’t look good to have the boss pulling down an eight-figure salary.

I’m assuming players won’t take pay cuts in their current contracts. I mean, they are contracts. The new collective bargaining agreement would be geared toward all future contracts.

Stern’s current salary probably won’t be tied to the CBA, because he’s not in the players union. Still, next time his contract comes up, he should plan on a pay cut. It just looks better. And it will help with the financial crisis in the league. Isn’t that what he was worried about?

Do you think the commissioner should be paid during the lockout or take a pay cut after?