MIAMI (AP) _ The salaries of Miami Heat employees will be cut 10 percent this season, a reduction that excludes the players but includes team president and coach Pat Riley.

The reductions will allow the organization to avoid further layoffs. A few employees were let go after last season.

Riley's annual salary is estimated at $5 million, which means his pay cut could amount to $500,000 for 2003-04. The reductions include the business operation and the management of AmericanAirlines Arena.

The Heat say they've to been losing up to $30 million annually in recent years because of high player salaries, arena debt payments and reduced attendance.

The salary cuts take effect with the start of training camp Oct. 1, the Heat said. Riley declined comment Wednesday.


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