College athletes are being exploited. And the NCAA is before the Supreme Court arguing there is a constitutional right to pay these kids next to nothing.
1/ A THREAD on the pending case of NCAA v. Alston and why we need to let college athletes collectively bargain.
1/ A THREAD on the pending case of NCAA v. Alston and why we need to let college athletes collectively bargain.
2/ In NCAA v. Alston, big time college sports programs argue they have a right to collude to set a "salary cap" (on scholarships and stipends) for all college athletes.
But here's the problem: federal law prohibits collusion (of course it does).
But here's the problem: federal law prohibits collusion (of course it does).
3/ That's why a lower court already ruled against the NCAA – and it's why they should lose this appeal.
The NCAA's main argument is the same tired one they've used for 60 years: college athletes are "amateurs" who have no say in how they're compensated or protected.
The NCAA's main argument is the same tired one they've used for 60 years: college athletes are "amateurs" who have no say in how they're compensated or protected.
4/ That's ridiculous. College sports is a $15 billion industry all built on the free labor of college athletes. Whether or not the NCAA wants to admit it, these athletes are employees. They often work 40+ hours/wk and they lose their compensation if they refuse to work.
5/ But even if the NCAA loses the case, we need reform.
My College Athlete Right to Organize Act would officially recognize college athletes as employees – knocking down barriers that prevent them from collectively bargaining and securing the benefits they deserve.
My College Athlete Right to Organize Act would officially recognize college athletes as employees – knocking down barriers that prevent them from collectively bargaining and securing the benefits they deserve.
6/ The NCAA should lose the case, but no matter the court's decision, if we don't give college athletes this power, the injustices that define college sports will continue.
Congress should take up my legislation with @SenSanders, @RepBowman, @RepLoriTrahan and @RepAndyLevin.
Congress should take up my legislation with @SenSanders, @RepBowman, @RepLoriTrahan and @RepAndyLevin.
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