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Northwestern football players attempt to unionize
Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 9:37 am
by DSUrocks07
http://deadspin.com/northwestern-footba ... 1510639551
In the opening shots of a major new assault on the NCAA's amateurism model, an "overwhelming majority" of Northwestern football players have filed to be recognized as members of a union. Their endgame, if successful, would be college football players officially being classified as employees.
Outside The Lines has the first report of the filings, submitted yesterday to both the national and regional offices of the National Labor Relations Board. The pointman is Northwestern QB Kain Colter, and the movement is being shepherded by the advocacy group founded by former UCLA linebacker Ramogi Huma. Huma, who organized the "All Players United" silent protest in September, is also president of the College Athletes Players Association, the union that would represent the players if it receives formal recognition.
For now, CAPA's stated goals don't involve obtaining pay for players. It merely seeks better medical protections, and fully-guaranteed scholarships that cover the full cost of attending college and wouldn't be taken away if an athlete can't continue playing due to injury. It also wants to establish a fund that would pay players to continue their educations after their NCAA eligibility expires.
This filing could have huge ramifications. If CAPA gains recognition, all DI football and men's basketball players at private universities will be eligible to join. For this reason, the NCAA is expected to oppose the action.
Re: Northwestern football players attempt to unionize
Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 1:14 pm
by tribe_pride
If they are considered employees, that means the scholarships should be considered taxable wages, correct?
Re: Northwestern football players attempt to unionize
Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 2:25 pm
by grizzaholic
Fine. Pay the college players...No scholarships and I would love to see the curriculum notes from the College lawyers.
Re: Northwestern football players attempt to unionize
Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 4:41 pm
by DSUrocks07
grizzaholic wrote:Fine. Pay the college players...No scholarships and I would love to see the curriculum notes from the College lawyers.
Why can students who recieve scholarships hold jobs and gain income and student-athletes (who would be working for the university) cannot?
Re: Northwestern football players attempt to unionize
Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 6:10 pm
by SuperHornet
DSUrocks07 wrote:grizzaholic wrote:Fine. Pay the college players...No scholarships and I would love to see the curriculum notes from the College lawyers.
Why can students who recieve scholarships hold jobs and gain income and student-athletes (who would be working for the university) cannot?
Actually, they can. However, the NCAA is really strict on what is considered a "job" (i.e. no watching paint dry), and it's generally during the off-season and summers only. Besides, it's generally not a good idea for an athlete to work a job in-season.
Plus, walk-ons can have all the job they want. They just won't be playing all that much if they're working F/T.
Re: Northwestern football players attempt to unionize
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 2:16 pm
by andy7171
I was on full scholarship and worked a real job. WTF?
Re: Northwestern football players attempt to unionize
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 6:42 pm
by SuperHornet
andy7171 wrote:I was on full scholarship and worked a real job. WTF?
During the season or during breaks? I suppose it's theoretically possible during the season...IF you like snoozing through quizzes....
Re: Northwestern football players attempt to unionize
Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2014 6:28 am
by andy7171
SuperHornet wrote:andy7171 wrote:I was on full scholarship and worked a real job. WTF?
During the season or during breaks? I suppose it's theoretically possible during the season...IF you like snoozing through quizzes....
I shouldn't say real job. I worked about 3 nights as a bouncer in season.
Re: Northwestern football players attempt to unionize
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 9:04 am
by Cap'n Cat
andy7171 wrote:I was on full scholarship and worked a real job. WTF?
Same here. Bouncer and DJ at a bar right off campus and, yes, it WAS against the rules.