After signing with the Carolina Panthers 10 days ago, safety Eric Reid told reporters he was undecided on whether he would continue to kneel during the national anthem.
But in his first game back, Reid had made his decision loud and clear.
The Panthers safety took a knee Sunday during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” prior to the team’s game against the New York Giants. No other teammates joined him.
Eric Reid kneels during national anthem … @FOX46News pic.twitter.com/abGCD5DIiP
— Josh Sims (@JoshFox46) October 7, 2018
Reid was the first player to take a knee alongside teammate Colin Kaepernick when the two played together with the San Francisco 49ers. They remain close friends and Reid continued to kneel without Kaepernick in the league.
But Reid had been out of football since the end of the 2017 season when his contract with the 49ers expired — leading the 26-year-old to file a grievance against the NFL, alleging owners colluded to keep him out of the league over his protesting.
The Panthers, depleted at the safety position, signed Reid on Sept. 27 and said the move was based solely on football-related reasons.
Reid said Monday he would continue his grievance against the league, despite now being with a team.
Reid and Kaepernick have said they kneel to protest racial inequality and police brutality.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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