National Labor Relations Board agrees football players at Northwestern University qualify as employees under federal law and therefore can legally unionize.
This is going to be fun to watch.
Paul in PA
Only figures that it's based in Chicago.... hmmm
Too bad really because they've only in the past few years became close to relevant in the Big 10.
Opps, there go the scholarships when they start declaring them as income and fall under the AHCA. Maybe they'll get a an exception too, since they're in Chicago and all
What else is all contradictory about it all, in addition the school must now deduct taxes from any scholarships (including any living arrangements) since it's now considered income... that since it is now considered income does that not make professionals and therefore disqualify them from collegiate play all together?
I think the NCAA should tell the proposed players college union to go pound sand. If the players want to be paid (between the ages of 17-23), go start their own league or clubs and compete! The NCAA principle of student status without compensation is primary in the college education system...i.e. are you there as a student for education or as an aspiring future professional to make mega bucks. I do think they need to pay a daily set per diem living allowance for the students under a hardship criteria.
Pablo B-)
I guess the counter-point is that the sport is making 100s of millions, and they are selling video games and jerseys based on the players, and other products, of course. ... While the students are taking a huge risk with their mental and physical well being for room, board, and an education in some worthless degree program the coaches push them into. I don't know what's going to happen with the new findings concerning concussions and long term mental health issues, and apparently suicide, but the idea being floated that the NFL and NCAA will be sued into bankruptcy isn't too far fetched.
I think what will eventually have to happen is the big time schools will leave the NCAA with the profitable sports like football and basketball, and start their own league by their own rules.
The players are used and abused by the big colleges and are the only ones who do not make money from their efforts. They do receive scholarships but when their last game is played many are shown the door without a degree and no help in getting one.
The big schools have been trying to make this go away for some time now without really making any revisions to a system that is inequitable at the very least.
It has been too comfortable for the colleges so this will be quite interesting to see their response.
Apeal anyone?
