In a groundbreaking ruling earlier this week, a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) official declared that the basketball players of Dartmouth College are employees of the school and have the right to form a union. This ruling has sent shockwaves through the world of college athletics, prompting other athletes from Dartmouth and Ivy League schools to express interest in joining the unionization effort.
Romeo Myrthil and Cade Haskins, the two Dartmouth players at the forefront of the unionization drive, revealed that they have been inundated with messages on social media since the ruling was announced. They expressed their surprise at the level of curiosity and interest from other athletes who see the opportunity for real change in the future.
For years, the NCAA has maintained the label of 'student-athletes' for college players, arguing that their primary focus should be academics. However, with the exponential growth of college sports into a multi-billion dollar industry that benefits coaches and schools, the players themselves have remained unpaid amateurs.
Recent court decisions have begun to challenge this model, allowing athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness. The NLRB ruling in favor of the Dartmouth basketball players takes this a step further, recognizing them as employees and granting them the right to unionize.
Myrthil and Haskins, after the ruling, wasted no time in announcing plans to form a union of Ivy athletes, aiming to represent athletes across the conference. They expressed their willingness to include other teams and schools in their efforts, stating that if other teams are interested, they would be interested as well.
Despite the newfound attention and media coverage, the two players were unfazed heading into their first game since the ruling. They emphasized that their focus remains on basketball and that the decision doesn't change that. Both players acknowledged the significance of the ruling but remained focused on their sport.
The formation of a college athletes union would be unprecedented in American sports. A previous attempt to unionize the Northwestern football team was halted due to the team's affiliation with the Big Ten, which includes public schools not under the jurisdiction of the NLRB.
Interestingly, it is the Ivy League, known for its academic focus and lack of athletic scholarships, that poses the biggest threat to the NCAA's traditional model. The small crowds and distinct characteristics of Ivy League sports make it a unique battleground.
Dartmouth coach David McLaughlin declined to comment on the unionization effort, while Harvard coach Tommy Amaker stated that he is unsure about the implications but believes it will find its way and will be figured out.
Looking ahead, Dartmouth intends to ask the full NLRB to review the regional director's decision. The composition of the NLRB consists of one Republican appointee and three Democrats, including a former Service Employees International Union lawyer and a former general counsel for the Major League Baseball Players Association.
The Dartmouth basketball team has scheduled a union election for March 5th. All 15 members of the team have already signed the initial petition to be represented by the SEIU, which currently represents some Dartmouth workers. The players anticipate a favorable outcome in the election.
However, even if the full NLRB decides in their favor, Dartmouth could potentially prolong the process by taking the case to federal courts, which could lead to further delays lasting years. Myrthil and Haskins, both juniors, acknowledged that the ultimate benefit may not come during their time, but they remain committed to supporting their teammates and future players.
The outcome of the Dartmouth basketball players' unionization efforts could have far-reaching implications for college athletics. It raises questions about the treatment and rights of student-athletes across the country, potentially signaling a shift in the existing paradigm. This historic ruling has ignited a conversation that shows no signs of slowing down.
