Reportedly, there are some NFL players that have considered adding another log to the fire involving the new policy targeted at addressing national anthem protests.
Players are said to be contemplating a “sit-out” within the 2018 season until Eric Reid and Colin Kaepernick are no longer unofficially blackballed from NFL rosters.
According to The Intercept columnist Shaun King, the goal is to get 25% of the players to sit out and protest the perceived ban of both players, until they are returned to roster spots.
Kaepernick started a league-wide protest against racial injustice and police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 while with the San Francisco 49ers. Reid, his former teammate, began to join Kaepernick in his stance, setting off backlash and scrutiny from fans, media, and owners alike.
The much-maligned quarterback has been out of the league since 2016, the offseason after his protests, even though he was considered by many as a starting caliber type quarterback entering into his free agency.
In October of 2017, he filed a lawsuit against the league stating teams were purposely keeping him out of the NFL for standing up for his rights as an American.
One of the best safeties over the last few years, Eric Reid still has not found a team this off-season and has also stated that he has reason to believe that NFL owners are conspiring against him as well. He has also filed against the league.
The NFL has received backlash over their new policy which requires players to either stand during the National Anthem or remain in the locker room. If players protest during the Anthem, the players can fine the team, subsequently allowing the organization to then fine the players.
This has not gone over well with players, with many speaking out against the new policy, including but not limited to the Eagles Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Long.
In the long run, we will see if 25% of the players will agree to sit out in protest, in addition to the ramifications these actions will bring.
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