College athletes take labor cause to Capitol Hill

Northwestern University athletes trying to unionize presented their case to lawmakers Wednesday after a federal agency said they have the same rights to bargain collectively as other workers. “Health and safety of athletes is the concern, especially to reduce the risk of brain trauma,” said Ramogi Huma (pictured, center), president of the National Colleges Players Association, an advocacy group. Added former Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter (right), co-founder of the association: “We’re up here raising awareness.” Even though the issue is not directly before lawmakers, “Congress is an important part of the chess board,” Colter said. Colter, Huma and Tim Waters (left), national policy director of the United Steelworkers union, were trying to drum up support during their time on Capitol Hill on Wednesday and today. – AP