http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_...cats-football-players-trying-join-labor-union Should be interesting to see how this plays out. Apparently this only works for private universities. Not sure if this will be a benefit or hindrance to Northwestern if it happens.
Wouldn't being a member of a labor union forfeit their amateur status somehow? I really don't know, but that's the first thing that popped into my head.
I don't see why it would. The union is not paying them to play or giving them extra benefits. I think it would be no different than being part of the chess club. But someone more savvy than I can answer it with more authority.
I'm sure the NCAA could argue that. I don't know if it's a winnable argument in court given the fact that the players are already paid with a full scholarship and moderate expenses. The TAs at my school were unionized and they basically received the same benefits as athletes i.e. free tuition, room and board, and a small stipend.
i'd guess the question would be if they are really employees of the university and therefore eligible to unionize. obviously if they aren't employees joining the "chess club" wouldn't end up really helping the athletes. i'm sure some of the lawyers here would have better insights than I though.
Apparently their main goals are a fifth year of scholarship for non-redshirts interested in grad school and medical coverage for football-related injuries that have long-term effects. http://www.reddit.com/r/CFB/comments/1wdhsg/northwestern_wildcats_football_players_trying_to/cf0z0de
you wonder if unionizing to get these things was the best strategy. surely it will be seen as the tip of the iceberg request wise by the ncaa. and that may not be an unreasonable assumption by the ncaa. surely if they came out and asked for an extra $100K a year people would react more negatively. baby steps. i'm generally anti union, but given the fact that the ncaa is not a free market association by any stretch i'm inclined to tell them to pound sand.
And why would they give carte Blanche to skip games , play no d, make no effort, never improve and overcharge?
The medical coverage for sports injuries after their career is up is a time bomb, sure. Wanting a 5th year of scholarship specifically for those interested in grad school isn't that much.
I guess we need a new name. I feel like there is more a reaction against the word and some existing examples than what they are.
A fifth year for even non-redshirts is also within the spirit of what the NCAA is allegedly about. Remember that term "scholar-athletes?"
