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The NFL Players Association has filed a non-injury grievance and a system arbitrator case on behalf of free agent safety Eric Reid, it announced on Monday. The non-injury grievance comes on behalf of Reid against the Cincinnati Bengals as well as other clubs with whom he has spoken. The grievance arises from questions posed to Reid by Bengals owner Mike Brown in regard to whether he intends to continue to demonstrate during the national anthem.
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Per the NFLPA: "At least one club owner has asked pre-employment interview questions about a player's intent to demonstrate. We believe these questions are improper, given league policy."
The second grievance seeks a system arbitration against the NFL and its teams regarding the league's failure to enforce the absence of a policy that mandates standing. The only rule in this regard preserves the rights of players to demonstrate during the national anthem.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement states that NFL rules supersede any conflicting club rules, according to the grievance.
"Colin [Kaepernick] and Eric have taken courageous action at the expense of their professional careers and personal lives," attorney Mark Geragos, who represents both players in a separate collusion grievance, said in a statement.
"They did these selfless acts because they wanted to shine light on inequality and oppression. Today they welcome all NFL Players who have joined in the prosecution of the NFL for their conspiracy and illegal acts. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the NFLPA in our fight for justice, equality and inalienable rights of all Americans."
Reid claimed at the beginning of the offseason that he wasn't receiving interest from teams due to his decision to kneel during the national anthem. The 26-year-old was the first player to kneel alongside Kaepernick during the duo's time with the San Francisco 49ers.
"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 it, then your mindset is part of the problem too," Reid tweeted.
Reid's lone visit in free agency was with the Bengals. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported that Brown asked Reid for his response after being told that the Bengals owner plans to prohibit kneeling during the national anthem for the 2018 season.
A Pro Bowl selection in 2013, Reid has been a starter in each of his five NFL seasons.
Reid started 12 of the 13 games he played for the 49ers in 2017, when he had two interceptions, four passes defensed, one fumble recovery and 66 tackles. He has 10 interceptions, 34 passes defended, one sack and 318 tackles in his career.
