Catherwood LibraryILR School

At a National Labor Relations Board hearing the quarterback for Northwestern University?s varsity football team testified to the need for bargaining in collegiate sports in much the same way that bargaining is necessary in the employment relationship. Kain Colter and his teammates are seeking a seat at the table to improve their ability to bargain for benefits and rules changes that will affect their quality of life for the rest of their lives. Things like medical coverage after graduation, stipends, and concussion testing would, the team believes, give players fair compensation for the hazardous work they do. Ramogi Huma, president of the NCPA, is helping ensure that the team at Northwestern has the support they need through connections he also used to help organize college athlete protests at Georgia Tech, Northwestern, and the University of Georgia last season. Thus far the colleges? administrations are lauding the players? leadership, but disagreeing with the need for greater player input into NCAA decision-making.