Multiple Mizzou coaches and administrators volunteer to temporary pay cuts

COLUMBIA, Mo. - A spokesperson for the Mizzou athletic department said athletic director Jim Sterk, football coach Eli Drinkwitz, men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin, women's basketball coach Robin Pingeton, wrestling coach Brian Smith and baseball coach Steve Bieser all volunteered to take each a salary reduction from May 1 to July 31.

The six were among 20 MU members asked to participate in a temporary 10-percent salary reduction to help offset financial losses due to COVID-19.

"In the wake of the unprecedented challenges the University of Missouri, our state and nation are facing, collectively we believed it was important to step forward and support President (Mun) Choi and other University leaders at this time," Sterk said. "As leaders, I believe it is important that we lead by example, especially in times of crisis, and this is one way that we can demonstrate that."

Drinkwitz was set to make $4 million each of the next six years. Martin was set to make $3 million next year, and Pingeton was set to make $400,000 next year. Sterk was set to make $850,000 next year. Steve Bieser was set to make $400,000 next year, and Brian Smith was set to make $300,000 next year.

UM System President Dr. Mun Choi also agreed to the salary reduction. Each member requested has until April 21st to make the decision.