The Coyotes organization "will furlough half its staff through June 30 because of financial problems" related to the coronavirus pandemic, according to Craig Harris of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. The team "will recover 100% of the cost of health benefits for the furloughed employees." Coyotes Exec VP/Communications & Broadcasting Rich Nairn "declined to disclose the number of employees who would be furloughed." The team on Friday said, "This decision was necessary given the significant impact the pandemic has had on the sports, entertainment, casino and hotel industries." Harris noted Coyotes Owner, Chair & Governor Alex Meruelo also owns the Meruelo Group, a construction and real estate development firm, and casinos in Las Vegas and Reno. Meanwhile, Phoenix' other major sports franchises -- the Suns, D-backs and Cardinals -- on Friday said that they "will try to continue paying employees as the national economy has been stalled by efforts to halt the spread of the new coronavirus." Suns Owner Robert Sarver said, "Our goal is to not have any layoffs through this crisis, and I believe we will be able to do that." D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall said he and Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick want "to hold onto everyone possible" as they wait for the season to start (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 4/11).
