NFL settles collusion lawsuit with Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid

Eric Reid and Colin Kaepernick
photo courtesy: Getty Images

The collusion case between the NFL and former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid has come to a resolution.

On Friday Kaepernick's attorney Mark Geragos and the NFL released a joint statement: "For the past several months 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. The resolution of this matter is subject to a confidentiality agreement so there will be no further comment by any party."

The NFLPA released a statement in support of the settlement: “Today, we were informed by the NFL of the settlement of the Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid collusion cases,” the NFLPA said. “We are not privy to the details of the settlement, but support the decision by the players and their counsel. We continuously supported Colin and Eric from the start of their protests, participated with their lawyers throughout their legal proceedings and were prepared to participate in the upcoming trial in pursuit of both truth and justice for what we believe the NFL and its clubs did to them. We are glad that Eric has earned a job and a new contract and we continue to hope that Colin gets his opportunity as well.”

Details of the settlement were not released. Kaepernick's kneeling for social injustice and inequality caused a firestorm and a national debate that culminated in President Trump speaking out against the protests. The league instituted a rule to ban protest during the national anthem that was never implemented.

While Reid has found employment with the Carolina Panthers, Kaepernick has not played since 2016. This settlement may end any chances of his return.