Roberts Weighs in on Unionization

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A sports labor expert at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law does not anticipate a move to unionize college athletes will lead to an open labor market similar to the National Football League. Gary Roberts believes players may end up with more of the revenue pie than they have now, but NCAA rules likely will not allow some benefits that are usually associated with unions. During an appearance on Inside INdiana Business Television, Roberts examined the ruling allowing Northwestern University football players move forward with a potential union. He says it is still too early in the process to predict an outcome.

Roberts says if the fundamental premise that athletes are students changes, it could have anti-trust, OSHA and Title IX implications.

He says the prospect of revenue being used to pay players could also affect non-revenue-generating sports that are currently supported by gains from football and basketball programs.

Source: Inside INdiana Business