Bucked: Broncos Dismiss Eight Non-Football Operations Employees

The Broncos Wednesday dismissed "eight employees not directly involved in football operations," including Broncos Dir of Media Relations Paul Kirk and DenverBroncos.com Managing Editor Andrew Mason, according to Mike Klis of the DENVER POST. Broncos COO Joe Ellis: "It's a very, very difficult day when you have to eliminate jobs. Especially when loyal, hardworking employees are involved. But our industry is like many others, where downsizing and layoffs are required to make the business more effective" (DENVER POST, 3/20). PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Mike Florio wrote the Broncos' moves "possibly arise from a cash-flow problem within the franchise. But, clearly, there's not a profit problem." One league source suggested that if Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen is "having short-term money trouble, he should either get a loan or he should sell a slice of the team." Florio noted a 10% stake "should generate $80[M]" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 3/19).