There’s a reason ‘student’ comes first in ‘student-athlete.’
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First, let me say I applaud the drive and determination of the students who speak fervently for the rights of collegiate athletes. In a recent Good Men Project post, I wrote about the need to speak with conviction. These young men from Northwestern University that recently won their case with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to be recognized as university employees are doing so, and for a cause they care about passionately.
According to the National Collegiate Players Association website, there are 11 specific goals associated with the desire for recognition of athletes as university employees, thus allowing for unionization and collective bargaining rights. These goals are:
1. Minimize college athletes’ brain trauma risks.
2. Raise the scholarship amount.
3. Prevent players from being stuck paying sports-related medical expenses.
4. Increase graduation rates.
5. Protect educational opportunities for student-athletes in good standing.
6. Prohibit universities from using a permanent injury suffered during athletics as a reason to reduce/eliminate a scholarship.
7. Establish and enforce uniform safety guidelines in all sports to help prevent serious injuries and avoidable deaths.
8. Eliminate restrictions on legitimate employment and players ability to directly benefit from commercial opportunities.
9. Prohibit the punishment of college athletes that have not committed a violation.
10. Guarantee that college athletes are granted an athletic release from their university if they wish to transfer schools.
11. Allow college athletes of all sports the ability to transfer schools one time without punishment.
Only two items (#4 & #5) directly relate to improvements in educational opportunity. Based on this list, I think the push for student athletes to be recognized as university employees is more about the students’ desire for dollars than for diplomas.
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So why am I caught up on this issue? Well, one item the leaders of this movement have used as a critical point within their argument is how football can prevent athletes from achieving their academic goals. For example, former Northwester quarterback Kain Colter stated during the NLRB hearing that Northwestern football essentially ruined his dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
It would seem that young men who believe football requirements interfere with academic success and career dreams would make academically-based changes the cornerstone of their case for union rights.
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So is this effort really about making a significant difference for the student-athlete?
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If this push for unionization is about athlete health and safety (which comprise four of the 11 NCPA goals), then make that the headline. Bring together some young men that have suffered serious injuries with whom we can empathize. We need to care for our athletes’ health and safety, no question. I can get on board with that argument.
If this push for unionization is primarily about higher scholarships and desired endorsement revenue, (which is, at its core, how it seems), at least be transparent about it. Yes, athletes earn their scholarship through the many hours devoted to their sport, and yes, universities make astounding amounts of money from football programs in particular. That doesn’t mean any college athlete attending an institution of higher learning deserves money beyond what funds their education, meals, and lodging.
So is this effort really about making a significant difference for the student-athlete? Is it really meant to improve academic opportunities for the 99% of athletes that will never become professional players and therefore will need to enter the working world with a degree and a strong GPA? Is it about improving the opportunity to learn–the reason universities exist?
I am not convinced.
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Image credit: Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar/flickr
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The post Diplomas or Dollars: What Is the Student-Athlete-as-Employee Case Really About? appeared first on The Good Men Project.