Two days ago, I had the opportunity to hear Kain Colter speak at the Aspen Institute in D.C. Colter was the Senior Quarterback of the Wildcats this past season and is the leader of the current unionization efforts of the players. During this meeting, he talked about the reasoning behind his decision to unionize. What makes his efforts different that the O'Bannon or Kessler cases is that Colter is not calling for player salaries or marketing rights. Colter's goal is to improve both the physical and mental health of college players, with calls to improve health benefits for athletes as well as improved educational benefits. Part of his goals include having the university pay for sports-related injures rather than have the financial burden fall solely on the young athletes. In addition, Colter hopes to improve the educational resources available to students, citing the recent accusations of UNC athletes as embarrassing for the entire athletic community.
Colter has become the face of the unionization efforts
What struck me most about this meeting was Colter's understanding of the gravity of his decision to move forward with the unionization efforts. He realizes that there will be a long battle with the NCAA over these issues, one that will not be resolved within the next few years. Even in the face of this long uphill battle, he remains confident that he and his fellow players will prevail, helping the athletes of the next generation receive the benefits that they deserve. I, too, believe that they will eventually succeed. The young men are not asking for salaries or marketing rights, but asking to receive benefits for their safety and to have access to a better education, the main reason for going to college. Everyone is entitled to safety and an education. This young men are simply attempting to access those rights.
Link to a video interview with Kain Colter
the whole debate is very interesting. I think NCAA President Mark Emmert's reaction has been surprising. The other day he said that unionizing college athletes "would blow up everything about the collegiate model of athletics."
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I don't really agree with the union for player salaries etc, especially when quite a few athletes are already on scholarship etc and when universities use pictures of students in their marketing materials period with no compensation. HOWEVER, I 1000% agree with Colter's reasoning for unionization, and think it is a really important aspect that is often pushed aside. Hopefully his version and vision for the union becomes the main focus of the entire movement.
ReplyDeleteThis vision is hands down the most understandable and justifiable stance that any of the current arguments on Pay for Play have taken. When you bring in the words "health" and "education" into the mix, people will definitely sympathize more than if you say that you should "own your likeness." Of the 3 larger cases, I say that this one has the greatest potential to win.
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