That question surely must be on the mind of Northwestern football players today as they vote on whether or not to unionize. Regardless of how media outlets are painting Northwestern’s administration has being evil anti–union bullies, the truth is no one really knows what a vote for a union will really mean for Northwestern or college football as a whole. Further, as SI pointed out, the bigger decision probably lies in the National Labor Relations Board’s ruling on the current appeal by Northwestern.
It’s hardly a cut and dry issue. And while I’m sure Northwestern doesn’t want to be the first school to see its players unionize, it’s hard for them to answer any question about the unknown without leaning on their knowledge of the known status quo.
What we do know is that the biggest part of the initial NLRB ruling was the declaration of scholarship student-athletes as employees. Further, the NLRB noted that the scholarships that these athletes received are indeed compensation and payment for their services on the field.
This point seems to be missed constantly in any discussion about the union vote. Far too many people see any urging of a “no” vote as a continuation of school’s cashing in on “free labor”; however, the NLRB ruled that the labor the athletes are providing is anything but free.
Now, whether or not a scholarship is fair compensation would be a completely different argument. I’d argue that the benefits of a free education are severely undervalued by far too many. Regardless of which side you land on though, I am not sure what a union would be able to do to change that.
And really, that’s gets back to the initial question: just what will a union do? Unfortunately for Northwestern players, there is far too many unknown variables and “what ifs” in play. They do not know for sure whether they are opening Pandora’s box or if they are taking a crucial step in giving student-athletes a greater voice. The right to unionize and collectively bargain is far from a guarantee of change much less a guarantee that conditions would improve in their particular situation.
It will be a fascinating event to watch unfold today and hearing the reasons behind the vote (assuming the players would be willing to share). Needless to say, the Northwestern players are certainly in a position that I do not envy right now; however, I certainly hope that whatever decision they do make will indeed be the best one for them and all student-athletes moving forward.
The Roundup
A former SEC player wrote about what he does once spring ball is done. For all the talk of these athletes doing nothing but being slaves to the football factory, there sure is an awful lot of school in here.
Looks like the NCAA is almost ready to blow it up themselves. A new proposal would shift major power to the conferences. It’s going to be very interesting to see what kind of feedback they get from member institutions.
Penn State just can’t let it go. Despite the Joe Paterno statue getting removed from the stadium, alumni are moving to have a new one built.
And now your moment of Nix… Slow week for funny, but thankfully the Old Ball Coach can help out.
The Booze
With warmer weather arriving, it’s time to dabble in the more refreshing side of a cocktail menu. This week’s pick: The Lynchburg Lemonade.
In a highball glass filled with ice, pour the following in:
1 part Jack Daniels (while Jack is the namesake of this drink, Jim Beam or bourbon certainly will work)
1 part Triple Sec
1 part Sweet & Sour Mix
Fill rest of glass with 7up or Sprite
For a little bit of an added punch, go 2 parts on the Jack & Triple Sec (my personal preference). Stir and enjoy!
- Epilogue - January 3, 2022
- HLS Podcast Finale - January 2, 2022
- The Final Fiesta: Notre Dame vs Oklahoma State NCAA ’14 Sim - December 31, 2021
KyNDfan
Almost rum and coke season!
Harvey B Vaughn Jr.
I think the real problem is the fact that many college athletes do not get that education the scholarship implies. In many places the emphasis on football takes precedence over any academic issues. Maybe Player should be given a longer period to finish their education and obtain a real degree. Maybe player who stay in college and play four years could be given more scholarship time to finish their degree. The kids that come in unprepared for college work could be given the opportunity to take remedial courses for a couple of years to catch up and then more time to finish their degree. It’s sinful for a kid to play football and earn all that money for the university and others and not be able to read or write well enough to get a job. For him the scholarship was worthless.
ndtex
I 100% agree.
The post that I linked to in my intro detailed just that. Once the public proved to universities that football wins trumped all, the schools responded and made the education a joke. Over time, this has led to all sorts of watered-down educations and scandals which, in turn, allows the public to turn around and say “lol worthless education”.
If that internal bleeding is never fixed, I don’t think any NCAA/amateur/CFB problem will ever be truly fixed in my opinion.