Northwestern's football players didn't get their union, and today's major college athletes probably won't ever get their money.
Still, the events in Missouri over the last few days show college administrators would be wise not to underestimate the power of labor — even if it is unpaid.
The football team took a stand, and everyone was forced to listen. The football team took a stand, and the university president was gone.
The issues in Missouri were about race and tolerance, not money and treatment of players. But college officials everywhere should learn some potentially important lessons about power and unity.