In this Sept. 21, 2013 file photo, Georgia Tech quarterback Vad Lee (2), wears APU for “All Players United” on his wrist tape, as he works against North Carolina during an NCAA football game in Atlanta. The decision to allow Northwestern football players to unionize raises an array of questions for college sports. Among them, state schools vs. public schools, powerhouse programs vs. smaller colleges.CHICAGO – Vince Dooley is sure relieved he’s not running an athletic program these days.
Not after a decision allowing Northwestern football players to unionize, and what that might mean for all college sports.
“If this ever happens,” said Dooley, now retired after four decades as Georgia’s football coach and athletic director, “the issues would be unlimited. What might happen from school to school, from day to day, from year to year, I don’t know. I’m just glad I’ve served my time.”
Around the country Thursday, coaches and administrators pondered the potential ramifications of the stunning decision by the National Labor Relations Board, which ruled the Northwestern football team — up to now, referred to by the NCAA as student-athletes — are actually university employees in everything but name. Therefore, they should be able to bargain collectively for their fair share of an industry worth billions.
That set off speculation over what might happen if the ruling holds up on appeal: