Should NCAA players be allowed to unionize?

Players at Northwestern University have submitted an request to the National Labor Relations Board to be permitted to unionize. From an ethical or legal point of view, is this a legitimate request? From a legal point of view, the pivotal question is whether these athletes satisfy the definition of employee.

My view is that unionization is long overdue. College athletics is a big money maker and the idea of student athlete is a charade. These guys get in based on their athletic prowess and they are expected to put in considerable time to prepare for competitions. If they want to skip practice to study for a test they can have their scholarships withdrawn. It sure looks like they are employees.