In my latest column, I addressed my thoughts on the possibility of a college players union. Currently, players at Northwestern are attempting to create a union for several reasons. For the full column, go here: http://www.thepacer.net/column-possible-player-unions-would-shake-up-college-athletics/
I want to open up the conversation to our readers.
What do you all think? Do you think a players union for college athletes would be good or bad?
According to the National College Players Association’s website, NCPAnow.org, the organization has 11 goals.
1. To minimize college athletes’ brain trauma.
2. Raise the scholarship amount.
3. Prevent players from being paying sports-related medical expenses.
4. Increase graduation rates.
5. Protect educational opportunities for student-athletes in good standing.
6. Prohibit universities from using 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. Â Prohibit punishment of college athletes that have not committed a violation.
10. Guarantee that college athletes are granted 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.
Are these extreme desires for college players?
If you were a college athlete, or if you are one, aren’t these things you would want?
If you do have a problem with any of these, or think there is something missing from the list, let us know in the comment section below.
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