Notorious Anthem Kneeler Signs One-Year Deal, Kaepernick Speaks Out
Eric Reid is back in the NFL.
The Carolina Panthers have signed the free agent safety to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not announced Thursday.
Reid filed an official grievance letter with the NFL in October 2017, alleging that team owners and the league colluded to prevent his employment due to his protest activities.
Reid was the first to join quarterback Colin Kaepernick in protests during the playing of the national anthem before NFL games in 2016.
✊✊✊ pic.twitter.com/HVUgzPrHfH
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 27, 2018
Panthers general manager Marty Hurney told The Associated Press it was a “football decision” that was approved by new owner David Tepper.
Reid is expected to start right away after the Panthers placed Da’Norris Searcy on injured reserve last week.
The Panthers have a bye this week.
Kaepernick offered his congratulations to Reid on Twitter.
He tweeted Thursday that Reid is a “social justice warrior” who “continues to support his family and communities in need.”
Congrats 2 my brother @e_reid35, all pro safety who should have been signed the 1st day of free agency, who has signed a football contract.
He was the 1ST person 2 kneel alongside me. Eric is a social justice warrior, continues to support his family. and communities in need. pic.twitter.com/TsZOaFycYT
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 27, 2018
Kaepernick added that Reid is an “all pro safety who should have been signed the 1st day of free agency.”
Texans rookie safety Justin Reid said he’s thrilled his older brother is back in the NFL and is “immensely proud” of what he stands for “in trying to have a voice for the voiceless.”
Justin Reid said he planned to call his brother to congratulate him after practice Thursday.
— Justin Reid (@JustinqReid) September 27, 2018
When asked if he thinks his brother was not signed earlier by NFL teams because of his decision to take a knee in protest during the national anthem, Justin Reid said, “I’m going to try and defer away from that.” The younger Reid said he wants to stay focused on football and helping the Texans win their first game.
Justin Reid said his brother is in good shape and has stayed prepared for this opportunity to rejoin the NFL.
He said the Panthers “just got better having him on their squad.”
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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