NFLPA files grievance on behalf of Eric Reid

The NFL Players Association has filed a grievance on the behalf of free-agent safety Eric Reid.

The former Pro Bowler has failed to find work this offseason after protesting during the national anthem in previous years. Reid made a free-agent visit with the Cincinnati Bengals and was reportedly asked about his stance on anthem protests in a meeting with owner Mike Brown.

The NFLPA released the following statement:

The NFLPA has filed a non-injury grievance and a system arbitrator case on behalf of free-agent safety Eric Reid. Prior to the start of the current NFL off-season, our Union directed the agents of free-agent players who had participated in peaceful on-field demonstrations to collect, memorialize, and report any relevant information about potential violations of the Collective Bargaining Agreement by teams. These cases were filed based upon the following:

• There is no League rule that prohibits players from demonstrating during the national anthem.
• The NFL has made it clear both publicly and to the NFLPA that they would respect the rights of players to demonstrate.
• The Collective Bargaining Agreement definitively states that League (NFL) rules supersede any conflicting club rules.
• According to our information, a club appears to have based its decision not to sign a player based on the player’s statement that he would challenge the implementation of a club’s policy prohibiting demonstration, which is contrary to the League policy.
• 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.

Reid has also filed a collusion grievance against the NFL. It's alleged the league and its teams have conspired together to keep Reid off an NFL roster.

Colin Kaepernick, a former teammate of Reid's, filed a collusion grievance against the league in October. He sparked the kneeling movement and has yet to sign with an NFL team since opting out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers last March.