APU Campaign Gaining Momentum

By Ken Reed

A college sports reform movement called All Players United (APU) drew media attention this past Saturday. The campaign was launched by the National College Players Association, an advocacy group for college athletes.

Football players from Georgia, Georgia Tech and Northwestern wore the letters “APU” on tape on their wrists. Others wore the letters on different parts of their football gear. The APU campaign continues a growing trend in which active college athletes are becoming more vocal and active in the fight against NCAA injustices.

The goals of the APU campaign are:

• Demonstrate unity among college athletes and fans from different campuses seeking NCAA reform.

• Show support for the players who joined concussion lawsuits against the NCAA, which could force the NCAA to finally take meaningful steps to minimize brain trauma in contact sports and provide resources for current and former players suffering with brain injuries.

• Show support for the players who stepped up in the O’Bannon v. NCAA, EA Sports lawsuit regarding the use of players images/likeliness, which could unlock billions of dollars in resources for current, future, and former players.

• Stand behind individual players being harmed by NCAA rules.

• Direct a portion of over $1 billion in new TV revenue to guarantee basic protections:

• Guarantee scholarship renewals for permanently injured players

• Ensure injured players are not stuck with sports-related medical bills

• Increase scholarships $3-5k to cover the full cost of attendance

• Minimize brain trauma in contact sports

. Establish an educational lockbox (trust fund) to increase graduation rates

“The intent is to continue on until the NCAA changes its rules,” says NCPA director Ramogi Huma.

Players and fans can sign the APU petition.

— Ken Reed, Sports Policy Director, League of Fans