College Football Players Demand Fair Pay: The Union Movement That's Changing The Game

About 50 players in a fledgling college athletes union are meeting this weekend in Atlanta, across town from where the national title game between Ohio State and Notre Dame will be held. They want a bigger say in decisions that affect their lives, their sport, and their future.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has long been criticized for its treatment of college athletes, who generate billions of dollars in revenue each year but are not considered employees and do not receive a salary. Instead, they are given scholarships that cover the cost of tuition, room, and board, but do not provide them with the same rights and benefits as other students who work part-time jobs.

The college athletes union, which was formed in 2020, is seeking to change this dynamic by giving players a collective voice and the ability to negotiate with the NCAA and their respective schools. The union is led by a group of current and former college athletes who are passionate about creating a more just and equitable system for all players.

One of the main issues that the union is focusing on is the issue of compensation. While the NCAA has relaxed its rules in recent years to allow players to earn money from endorsements and other business ventures, the union believes that this is not enough. They argue that players should be able to receive a fair share of the revenue that they generate, whether through salaries, revenue-sharing models, or other forms of compensation.

Another issue that the union is addressing is player safety. College football is a high-contact sport that can result in serious injuries, including concussions, broken bones, and other types of trauma. The union is pushing for better safety protocols, including more stringent concussion protocols, improved medical care, and greater support for players who are injured.

The union is also seeking to give players a greater say in the decision-making process. This includes having a seat at the table when it comes to discussions about rule changes, scheduling, and other issues that affect the sport. The union believes that players should have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives and their sport, and that they should be treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

While the union movement is still in its early stages, it has already gained significant traction. Several high-profile players have spoken out in support of the union, and a number of schools have begun to take steps to address the issues that the union is raising. The NCAA has also taken notice, and has begun to engage in dialogue with the union and its leaders.

As the national title game approaches, the union is using the platform to raise awareness about the issues that it is addressing. The meeting in Atlanta will bring together players, coaches, and other stakeholders to discuss the future of college athletics and the role that the union can play in shaping it. It will be an important moment for the union, and for the sport as a whole, as it seeks to create a more just and equitable system for all players.