You better believe football players around the country are keeping a close eye on the union movement initiated by Northwestern football players. The goal of having players paid for playing may not be one of the top objectives of the union movement at this time, but it is one of the most popular topics of conversation.
“It would be smart” to unionize, tight end Clive Walford said, according to The Miami Herald. Walford went on to say he would be interested in starting a union at Miami if things go well for Northwestern’s players. “Getting paid would be everyone’s desire.”
Talk about a money quote. Walford’s statement may be a bit of an exaggeration or one that overlooks the overall mission of the union movement, but it may also not be without an ounce of truth. If given an opportunity to be paid, what player would turn it down? For now, players are keeping a watchful eye on how this all plays out in Chicago.
“If it starts turning out good at Northwestern, people would start doing it here,” offensive guard Jon Feliciano added. Right now the union movement only relates to private institutions. Because Miami is a private institution, Miami football players could theoretically pursue their own union as well. Right now though, Northwestern’s case is being used as the litmus test before any other movements follow.
“But if nothing really happens, no one will follow.,” Feliciano said. “We have a lot of wild personalities on this team, so there’s a bunch of people that might try. It’s not my main focus right now. But if we do start a union, I would not be opposed to it.”