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In a shocking move, Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid have agreed to resolve their pending grievances against the NFL. Attorney Mark Geragos announced the decision via Twitter.
— Mark Geragos (@markgeragos) February 15, 2019
In October of 2017, Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL, stating that multiple owners colluded with each other to prevent Kaepernick from rejoining the league. Fast forward to last May, and Reid, also unemployed at the time, filed a similar grievance.
The case’s resolution likely means both sides agreed to a financial settlement.
In a stunning move strongly signaling a financial settlement between Colin Kaepernick and the #NFL, Yahoo Sports has learned the QB has withdrawn his collusion complaint against the NFL. Sources previously said Kaepernick would only withdraw if a lucrative settlement was secured.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) February 15, 2019
NFL reporter Mike Freeman expects Kaepernick’s payout to be massive.
Number NFL team officials are speculating to me is the NFL paid Kaepernick in the $60 to $80 million range.
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) February 15, 2019
This, of course, all stems from Kaepernick’s and Reid’s joint decision to protest racial injustice and police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem, starting early in the 2016 season. The movement gained momentous traction across the league and inspired athletes in other sports to take similar stands. But Kaepernick’s and Reid’s roads to employment have been bumpy in the aftermath.
After playing the first five years of his career with the 49ers, Reid signed with the Carolina Panthers three weeks into the 2018 season. In an 11-week timespan, the NFL drug-tested him seven times, which raised more questions. Earlier this week, Reid signed a three-year extension with the team.
Kaepernick has not played since the 2016 season. He has since become the face of Nike’s “Just Do It” Campaign.
