Eric Reid follows Colin Kaepernick in filing grievance against NFL in wake of anthem protests

Reid believes that his lack of interest from the NFL is due to his decision to kneel during the playing of the national anthem before games and not as a result of his on-field performances

Eric Reid, right, kneels alongside Colin Kaepernick and Eli Harold (Getty Images)

Eric Reid has followed his former teammate Colin Kaepernick’s lead, becoming the second player to file a collusion grievance against the NFL. The safety remains unsigned after entering free agency at the end of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers earlier this year, and claims to have not received an offer from a single franchise. Reid believes that his lack of interest from the NFL is due to his decision to kneel during the playing of the national anthem before games and not as a result of his on-field performances.

The 26-year old was the first to kneel alongside Kaepernick in protest of police brutality and racial injustices against black Americans in 2016 when both were with the 49ers. High-profile defence lawyer Mark Geragos will serve as Reid’s attorney in addition to his continued legal representation of Kaepernick.

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) confirmed their support of Reid in a statement: “Our union is aware that Eric Reid and his legal representatives filed a collusion claim, which will be heard through the arbitration process as spelled out in our collective bargaining agreement. Our union supports Eric and we are considering other legal options to pursue.”

There are other factors at play, however. Whereas Kaepernick can point to several quarterbacks of lesser quality on NFL rosters, Reid is one of a group of free agent safeties of a similar standard, including Kenny Vaccaro and Tre Boston. He is rumoured to want a significant salary, too. As such, proving collusion may be more difficult for the former Pro Bowler.

Reid did visit the Cincinnati Bengals in April, but departed without a deal. A source close to the organisation suggested that in a meeting with Bengals’ owner Mike Brown it was conveyed to Reid that he would only be signed were he to assure Brown that he would stop his protests. Reid was not willing to make a commitment at that instant, but in March did say he was not currently planning to kneel or similarly demonstrate during the national anthem if signed for the 2018 season.

Muddying the waters further, Reid’s younger brother Justin was drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft last Friday by the Houston Texans. The Texans’ owner Bob McNair has been outspoken on the topic of kneeling and other such protests.

Eric Reid and Colin Kaepernick taking a knee in protest (Getty)

Last October McNair was quoted as commenting on the issue by saying “we can’t have inmates running the prison”. Though he apologised soon after, the 80-year-old has since retracted that apology. McNair has been a key figure in Kaepernick’s collusion case, with the aggrieved quarterback attending the deposition of McNair in March.

Reid is yet to comment on the filing.