ATLANTA — Kardell Thomas holds a critical view of the sports system, believing it let him down rather than the individual schools he attended. His experience as an offensive lineman who has been associated with four colleges over five years presents a compelling case in the ongoing discussion about forming a union for college athletes amid a rapidly evolving sports landscape.
After experiencing the loss of his father, Karl, in 2023 due to kidney-related issues, Thomas recalls being promised support from one of his schools when his father’s health began to decline. Unfortunately, that promised help never materialized. Amid his injuries and the speculation surrounding alleged drug use — despite never failing a drug test — Thomas faced constant scrutiny as he transferred from Louisiana to Florida, and ultimately to Missouri. Eventually, he found himself under coach Deion Sanders at Colorado, but by that time, he struggled to find playing time during his final year of eligibility.
Reflecting on his situation, Thomas expressed a wish that if he had access to NIL (name, image, and likeness) opportunities during his third year, he might have been able to afford necessary medical help for his father. This sentiment points to the broader implications of NIL deals in college sports, prompting questions about whether a players’ association could have made a significant difference in such circumstances.
Thomas is among approximately 4,000 athletes collaborating through a new initiative aiming to bring substantial change to the current landscape. Recently, Athletes.org convened over 50 athletes in anticipation of the national championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame, promoting itself as the players’ association dedicated to college athletes’ rights.
One notable member, Grant House, a swimmer from Arizona State, is involved in a landmark legal case referred to as the “House settlement,” which seeks to address pressing issues like revenue sharing, NIL payments, and Title IX compliance. “It’s not just about my name on the case,” House shared, emphasizing his commitment to advocating for fellow athletes across the country.
Another representative of the movement is Diego Pavia, a quarterback who transitioned from junior college to Vanderbilt, and recently initiated legal action for an additional year of eligibility. Meanwhile, Sedona Prince, who gained fame for highlighting disparities in facilities during women’s March Madness, has also joined these efforts. She aims to drive meaningful reform, focusing on negotiations that could create generational wealth for athletes.
The concept of classifying athletes as employees raises eyebrows among educational institutions, yet it intrigues many athletes. Co-founder of Athletes.org, Jim Cavale, clarified that their goal isn’t solely to secure employee status for athletes. However, when participants at the recent meeting were asked about exploring the employment model’s implications, a remarkable 94% expressed interest.
Despite concerns from college administrators about potential ramifications, such as budget cuts across various programs, Cavale contends that the employment model could work in favor of some athletes by providing financial benefits that outweigh costs. “The landscape of college athletics is vast and diverse,” said Cavale, stressing that solutions must be tailored to fit different sports and schools.
While House and Prince are the faces of a pivotal lawsuit, many of the decisions stemming from it involve negotiations among legal teams, judges, conferences, and the NCAA. House remarked on the unpredictability of developments in recent years, highlighting the necessity for adaptability and collaboration toward effective solutions.
Prince echoed similar sentiments and added that she hopes schools will fully utilize the allowed budget for player compensation in the next academic year. She underscored that without appropriate investments in student-athletes, the future of college sports could be at risk.
Despite her optimism, she remains cautious about trusting the system to drive change independently, stating that historically, significant progress only occurs when compelled. Prince advocates strongly for a system that is not only equitable but also just for all involved.
