Whatever fighting words you hear from the bargaining table, the reality is that with the new TV contract about to take effect and the incredibly lucrative ancillary revenue streams, both sides know we are on the verge of ushering in the most lucrative payday in the history of professional sports. The history of professional football is that nothing happens until the very last moment.

Well, my favorite sport as a kid was clearly baseball.

But the truth is, growing up in California, we knew nothing about hockey.

I just knew that economics had never been my big motivation.

It's learning how to negotiate to keep both sides happy - whether it's for a multi-million dollar contract or just which show to watch on TV, that determines the quality and enjoyment of our lives.

When it comes to holdouts, there's a presupposition that the player is some angry rebel who's defying authority and only cares about the money.

Be open to the amazing changes which are occurring in the field that interest you.