The Spurs Sports & Entertainment announced a fund for their staff in light of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The group owns the San Antonio Spurs and operates the multi-use AT&T Center arena.
The NBA suspended the season last Wednesday after Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for coronavirus. The following day it was announced that his teammate Donovan Mitchell also tested positive.
Since that time, NBA organizations and players have donated their own money to support workers directly affected by the league suspension. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban began the wave of financial support. He committed to putting together a program to assist works in this time of need.
Since that time, multiple teams have stepped up to the plate to help workers. The Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trailblazers, and a slew of other teams have since committed to assisting workers as well.
Now, the San Antonio Spurs are following suit. Spurs Sports & Entertainment committed to a fund totaling over $500,000.00. This will ensure employees will be paid through the end of the San Antonio Spurs and San Antonio Rampage seasons.
The Spurs, along with SS&E chairman Peter Holt released a statement:
“As San Antonio feels the ripple effects of the difficult decisions we have all had to make because of this global pandemic, we know that few will feel this more than members of our community who rely on hourly and part-time employment to take care of their families. Spurs Sports & Entertainment is a values-based organization, and taking care of our entire staff- both full-time and part time- was never a question of “if”, but of ‘how’. I’m pleased to say that after spending the last few days examining every option together, our leadership team has found a way to ensure that these invaluable members of the SS&E Family will be provided for.”
-Peter Holt
The announcement for the Spurs fund doesn’t fall on deaf ears.
An anonymous contract employee at the AT&T center spoke to Sports As Told By A Girl, “I was depending on my income with working at the AT&T center and use that money for emergencies, and now that the games are canceled, I don’t have that extra income… all AT&T events have been canceled to include all concerts, games, etc. Some people depend on that income for their livelihood”
When asked about how they would feel if the Spurs organization extended their fund to contract employees, they stated “[taking advantage of the fund would help us] pay our normal bills..other people are worrying about their mortgages, rent, and debts too. I would just be doing what we normally do when we work, pay bills.”
It’s good to note, NBA teams are not required to provide a salary or any type of program during this suspension. Organizations and players are donating their own resources and time to assist workers to allow them to have a stream of income during the pandemic.
In a capitalist society where business practices and ethics are often pushed to the side, SS&E proves they put their workers first during these hard times.
Classy move, Spurs.
