Northwestern football coach takes stand to testify against players' unionization bid

CHICAGO – The head football coach at Northwestern has been called to testify at a hearing on his team's bid to form the nation's first college athletes' union.

Pat Fitzgerald took the stand Friday during the fourth day of a National Labor Relations Board hearing in Chicago. He says the school wants players "to be the best they can be ... athletically, academically, socially." But he was called by attorneys who oppose the unionization bid.

The first-of-its kind effort is being closely watched by other colleges nationwide. The NCAA and Northwestern have maintained the its student-athletes are not employees, who would have the right to unionize.