COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Lawmakers in the football-mad state of Ohio are pushing back against a movement to unionize college athletes.
A measure approved by the state House this past week sets out to say college athletes aren't public employees.
It appears to be the first proposal of its kind to clear a state legislative chamber.
The amendment is in response to a National Labor Relations Board official's recent ruling declaring full-scholarship players at Northwestern University employees and therefore eligible to unionize.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in Connecticut are considering a move opposite of the one in Ohio by trying to clear the path for college athletes to unionize if they want.
Observers say they wouldn't be surprised if more states with powerful athletic programs at public universities follow the lead of lawmakers in Ohio.
