on my public -- a radio conversation today that will be on this weekend, with the head of the nfl players union this is connected to sports. we had the conversation earlier today and i asked about the fact that the average playing career of an nfl player is 3.6 years. that is average playing time. i was asking him to juxtapose that number with this number, fiveh is awithin two to years of being out of the league, most of them are broke. it is not a question of money, it is the question of many of these guys don't know what the next that is. what do you make of the fact that beyond your playing days, during your playing days in fact, you knew where you are taking your life next? >> i think my life has been blessed. it has led me in certain cases. i have followed my heart in many parts of my career. many people gave me the advice not to start my foundation at that early stage of my career. truth be told, i never lived and died inside the lines. i never really wanted it for most of my career. it came with a lot of tanks and pressure. the one thing i connect to is the ability to impact somebody. it

the nfl players union and the owners have yet to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.he threat of a work stoppage is looming and jets cornerback cromartie had strong words for both sides. >> if you want to say you're going to get into a room and meet and greet, do what you need to do, then do it. don't just talk about it. just need to get it together and get it done. >> if you're a busy tweeting about jay cutler's knee, here's what you missed. >> the game is on the line. yes, oklahoma beat the knicks with that brilliant shot. usf freshman cody dooleen got the big bucket in overtime to help them knock off gonzaga. that's the second time they've beaten zag. blake griffin is already the rookie of the year. he's probably the biggest ticket in the nba now. tim dougherty needed two pins in the 10th frame to break 100. he's a pro. it's the worst round ever bowled on national tv. he broke 100. that's it. look at that buzzer beater. university of cumberland in kentucky, swings it 85 feet, nothing but net to win the basketball game. incredible. >> wow. >> awesome. >> aaron rodge

. >> tom: it's postseason nor for the nfl and that means the expiration of the players union contract getting closer, tonight's beyond the scoreboard our look at the business of sports begins with one the most closely watched contract talks in some time here, between the nfl and the players union, rick horrow back with us. always nice to see you. just ready for the screen pass. >> you'll get it in a mine. >> tom: the nfl commissioner sent an e-mail this morning to 5 million nfl fans expectsing to reach a new deal with with the players contract. here is what the nfl is putting on the table. the three things it wants. it wants two more regular season games, wants to address the big salaries for rookies, bring them down some and promise tone hans rules on dangerous hits. will it get all three? >> well, the two games make day little bit of a more challenging working environment so now they want safety to compensate for that and the rookie wage scale always popular with the fans which is yes commissioner goodell is starting the pr campaign. will they get it? well, they need to save the $8

nfl players come to washington, it's to celebrate a championship. but this week, they came to ensure there will still be a game to play. the current labor contract between the nfl and the players unionmonth after the super bowl. right now, the league seems headed straight for a lockout. that means no spring practice. no free-agency deals. and potentially, no 2011 season. >> it's unfortunate that we've gotten to this point. >> reporter: the standoff centers around two, key issues. first, revenue sharing. nfl players currently receive 60% of the league's $9 billion in annual revenue. but team owners say that's unsustainable, given the economic downturn. they want to reduce the players' share by about 9% to 18%. the second issue is the schedule. the league wants to add 2 more regular season games for a total of 18. the players say that increases their risk of injury and they deserve compensation. also at stake, local economies. >> we're not talking about penalizing the players only. everybody in the city hurts when this happens. >> reporter: players hope the economic reality of a league stoppage will influence congress to intervene. so far, lawmakers have shown little indication they w

nfl players come to washington, it's to celebrate a championship. but this week they came to ensure there will still be a game to play. the current labor contract between the nfl and the players unione we've gotten to this point. >> reporter: the standoff centers around two key issues. first, revenue sharing. nfl players currently receive 60% of the league's $9 billion in annual revenue. but team owners say that's unsustainable given the economic downturn. they want to reduce the players' share by 9% to 18%. the second issue is the schedule. the league wants to add two more regular season games for a total of 18. the players say that increases their risk of injury and they deserve compensation. also at stake, local economies. >> we're not talking about, you know, penalizing players only. i mean, this is going to hurt, you know, your parking lot attendants, your restaurants, your hotels, everybody in your city, you know, hurts when this happens. >> reporter: players hope the economic reality of a league stoppage will influence congress to intervene. so far, members have shown little indication they will. the nfl insists its owners are eager for a deal, but one that's reached through

what is the think nfl players and owners are dumb enough to cancel football next season? >> no i don't. supposedly the players' union telling the guys save your checks white out have football. the i guess there's a date march that's coming up and telling you what one of these guys that believed to which side, everyone saw it won't get it together. the players they deserve it it's a violent sport it's your money. it will cancel the season making a few more pennies because the fans will backlash. people are working two jobs in the economy bit anyone here. even if you're right. >> not kidding after watching jim's or 43 i wondered has a mormon it ever been in college player of the year? >> and the dole and i can combine one and encyclopedia our dictionary. i think obviously this guy has a complexion and make the connection, a white guy really just about of the street. i think what we'll do be the player of the year carried i think this gunna the >> what is your favorite sport? basketball? >> just love. just laugh love everyone love your wife, love your family love your conn. see you at 11. @ > "the insider's" taking you