Each NFL player who contributed to a lockout fund will be able to begin collecting up to a total of about $60,000. Eligible players may start drawing from the fund April 15. NFL Players Association head DeMaurice Smith said on March 18 that money was available to help players while they are not receiving paychecks during the lockout, which owners imposed after the collective bargaining agreement expired. Smith would not provide details. The NFLPA sent players an email -- a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press -- to let them know its board of player directors "approved the payout from the Lockout Fund to begin on April 15, in six installments or until the lockout ends." Players were instructed to fill out a direct deposit enrollment form attached to the email. NFL.com first reported Tuesday about the NFLPA email. Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6270467
