Challenging the Amateur rule in the NCAA: a case study of the failed attempt at institutional disruption by Northwestern University football players

ABSTRACT

Research question: The purpose of this study was to explore how the unionization movement of Northwestern University (NU) football players in the NCAA almost disrupted the institution of US collegiate sports that would challenge the amateur rules for student-athletes.

Research methods: Qualitative research methods were employed, by collecting data from print media and content analysis.

Results and findings: Data analysis revealed that six themes: Athletics versus Academics, Important Rulings (or decisions) that affected the Outcomes of Unionization, The Perspective Opinions of the Unionization Movement, Scholarship as an Employee Contract, Athletes as Employees, and The NCAA Prioritize their Bottom Line.

Implications: The disruption that occurred highlights the challenge of the amateur rules that are imposed by the NCAA to its athletes, while also bringing the forefront the focus of the NCAA and its bottom financial line.

KEYWORDS:

• Unions
• disturbance
• NCAA athletes
• amateurism
• institutional work

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).