Budgeting is players' big concern during lockout

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. (AP) - Managing money when no checks are coming in is the main topic among NFL players early in the lockout.

Several members of the NFL Players Association's board of directors - called player reps before the union dissolved last week - say they are fielding many questions on benefits and money issues. For example, paying for health insurance, which the teams were no longer obligated to provide when the contract expired.

Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Max Starke says he's gotten questions from vets and rookies alike.

Players normally receive paychecks each of the 17 weeks of the regular season and have been urged for two years by the union to start saving in preparation for a labor stoppage.