Former San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid has filed a collusion grievance against the NFL for still being unsigned in free agency.
Like his former teammate Colin Kaepernick, Reid knelt during the national anthem and is involved in protesting racial injustice. Reid has reportedly hired Mark Geragos, the attorney who also represents Kaepernick in the quarterback’s collusion case.
Reid, 26, became a free agent in March after his rookie contract expired. A former 2013 first round pick, the safety started 69 of his 70 games for the 49ers.
In April, Pro Football Talk reported Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown, during a free agent meeting, asked Reid if he would continue to kneel during the anthem for next season. The question, the website reported, caught Reid off guard.
Statement on Eric Reid Collusion Grievance pic.twitter.com/Z4eGAADCoE
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) May 2, 2018
ESPN first reported the news.
The safety market has been slow to develop this offseason. Other players like Kenny Vaccaro and Tre Boston remained unsigned.
In March, Reid pushed back the idea he could be signed at a discount because there are concerns over his protesting.
Last week, The New York Times reported Reid accused NFL owners of blackballing Kaepernick during a meeting in October. Kaepernick filed his grievance against the league in October.
The notion that I can be a great signing for your team for cheap, not because of my skill set but because I’ve protested systemic oppression, is ludicrous. If you think is, then your mindset is part of the problem too.
— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) March 15, 2018
GMs aren’t the hold up broski. It’s ownership. People who know football know who can play. People who know me, know my character. https://t.co/M9ULziZg5V
— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) March 16, 2018
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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