Did Kaepernick and Reid Beat the NFL?
For the past several months, counsel for Mr. Kaepernick and Mr. Reid have engaged in an ongoing dialogue with representatives of the NFL. As a result of those discussions, the parties have decided to resolve the pending grievances. Counsel for Kaepernick and Reid had been in contact with NFL representatives for the past several months in an effort to resolve the greivance filed by Kaepernick in October 2017 under the collective bargaining agreement, alleging collusion by the league and its owners against signing him to an NFL contract.
The alleged retaliation was in response to Kaepernick's leadership and advocacy for equality and social justice hwich came in the form of kneeling during the national anthem among other non-violent methods of protest. Reid, a teammate in 2016, joined Kaepernick in kneeling and was subjected to myriad forms of public backlash for his participation. While Kaepernick has not been contracted to play for any NFL teams since leaving the 49ers in 2017, Reid signed with the Panthers in 2018. Reid recently signed a three-year deal worth more than $22 million.
On Friday, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid have reached a settlement with the NFL concerning their collusion grievances against the league.
But did Kaepernick and Reid really win by settling? Without knowing the details of the agreement, the coming months will likely be the best litmus test. Will the proof will be at the start of the NFL season when teams who are looking for someone to take the reins at quarterback decide to take a chance with Kaepernick. Or will it be seen in a new twist in the quest for social justice reform defined by their efforts.
No further comments on the case will be made public as the resolution of this matter is subject to a confidentiality agreement.
