Former Mizzou WR TJ Moe speaks out against college football players unionizing

The ever-quotable TJ Moe went on an epic Twitter rant yesterday regarding the NLRB saying Northwestern football players can unionize. Moe makes some compelling points against unions, but he does feel the need for change.

RELATED: Remember what TJ Moe said about Mizzou coming into the SEC?

Where do you stand on Northwestern’s player union? Do you agree with Moe?

Wrong RT @GottliebShow: There are exactly zero College football players who spend 60 hours a week on football, unless you count video games — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

Saturday itself covers a ton of hours- meetings, film, walk through, warm ups, 3-4 hour game. Day starts at 9am ends at 11pm if night gm — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

Add in travel and thats another 4-8 hours if away game. Sunday is a lift, meetings for hours, then practice. Sat. & Sun cover a ton of hrs — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

Still not sure a union is the way to handle it. If you want to be treated like an employee, must be prepared to be terminated at any time — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

Must also be prepared to strike if it comes to it. Can 18 year olds strike and not get a scholarship? Many can’t afford college tuition w/o — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

The other side is a lockout. Can we lockout college kids and withhold their scholarships so they then cannot attend class for the year? — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

How about taxes? If you start paying any type of salary, the government is now allowed to tax students. W-2’s sent to every athlete — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

Many colleges can’t afford all of these benefits and money it would require to meet union standards, so would football programs shut down? — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

Or if they do comply with the union standards, schools will be forced to shut down other non revenue sports. — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

You’re then taking away education opportunities from a large number of high school athletes just because their sport isn’t as popular. — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

If students want to be treated like employees, fine. However, be ready for consequences. If you’re late to work, that’s grounds termination. — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

I think we’re digging a hole that could really damage college athletics. I hate the NCAA bullying, but don’t think union is answer — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

What the student athletes need is someone to go to bat for them. Not sure what that look like, but making themselves employees isn’t smart — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

Another good point- if being paid a salary, no need for scholarships anymore. Gov’t gets involved with taxes and would cost everyone more $$ — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

And how about Title IX? major lawsuits would follow if football and mens basketball (The only real revenue sports) began getting paid — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

Do I think there’s a way for college athletes to receive more money? Yes, absolutely. How about allowing kids to get what they can? — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

Autographs, card deals, jersey deals, shoe deals… allow them to get endorsements. Why limit a kid just because he’s in college? — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

I know this, there would be far less complains from student athletes about the NCAA if allowed to promote themselves and make $$ from that — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

Tell me Nike wouldn’t love to sponsor a ton of college athletes and use them for profit? Of course they would. Both sides win — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

Instead of stopping NCAA video games and not promoting jersey sales for individuals, why not cut a deal with the players for compensation? — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

No perfect solution. Very, very complex situation. Union isn’t the answer, but I think it’s obvious that something needs to change. — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

How am I getting arguments that college kids shouldnt be allowed to get million dollar endorsements? Why get a college degree? TO MAKE MONEY — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

If college athletes can become millionaires because Nike wants to make them one, GREAT! Invest your money wisely, set yourself up for life! — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

Even better in the free market system. Allow Nike, Adidas, Reebok to fight over these athletes. get every $ you can bc you may not go pro — T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) March 26, 2014

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