Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware said he will not accept any funds the NFL Players Association set aside for players during the lockout, the *Fort Worth Star-Telegram* reported Wednesday.
"We have $60,000 that is supposed to be paid to us," Ware told the Star-Telegram. "I gave my money back to help out other guys that don't have as much money. That is going to help out and bring us closer together."
Ware signed a seven-year, $79 million contract, which included $40 million in guaranteed money and a $20 million signing bonus, in 2009.
NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported last month that the NFLPA established the fund to help players in need and will begin distributing money April 15. The maximum payments to an individual player will total $60,000.
The fund was created via player dues and rights fees during 2009 and 2010. If a player was on a 53-man roster for all 34 weeks of the regular season during those two years, then he's eligible for that maximum payment, which will be distributed in six projected increments.
Ware said he's not frustrated about the progress of the labor negotiations and that Cowboys players are planning to organize workouts next month.
"You've got to be disciplined with what you do and be ready when the time comes," Ware said.
