The NFL and Colin Kaepernick have reached a settlement in the collusion case brought by the former 49ers quarterback against the league.
A joint statement released on Friday indicated that all parties – including Panthers safety Eric Reid – have decided to resolve their pending grievances, but would not comment further, noting a confidentiality agreement.
The #NFL has reached an agreement with Colin Kaepernick: "The resolution of this matter is subject to a confidentiality agreement so there will be no further comment by any party." pic.twitter.com/1Q0icbRluh
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) February 15, 2019 — Mark Geragos (@markgeragos) February 15, 2019The NFL Players Association also weighed in, in support of Kaepernick and Reid's decision to settle:
Today, we were informed by the NFL of the settlement of the Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid collusion cases. 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.
Michael McCann, Sports Illustrated's legal analyst, points back to an Aug. 2018 summary judgment from an independent arbitrator as the turning point for the NFL.
Once arbitrator Stephen Burbank denied the NFL's request for summary judgment last August--meaning Colin Kaepernick had shown a genuine issue of material fact--the NFL realized they could lose to Kaepernick if they wait for Burbank to rule. A settlement is a draw & avoids a loss.
— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) February 15, 2019Viewed through that prism, it's hard to say Kaepernick and Reid didn't 'win' their fight against the league, despite the case resulting in a legal tie.
The NFL doesn't have to admit to collusion, but it can't say it didn't collude, either.
In other words, "there will be no further comment by any party."
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