Kaepernick attends hearing for his grievance against NFL

Colin Kaepernick and his legal team appeared before an arbitrator Thursday at a hearing that could result in the dismissal of the former 49ers quarterback’s collusion grievance against the NFL.

The hearing is a result of the NFL’S request for summary judgment. The league contends Kaepernick’s attorneys have not met the burden of proof stipulated by the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and its players association. If arbitrator Stephen Burbank, a University of Pennsylvania law professor, agrees with the NFL, Kaepernick’s grievance could be dismissed. If Burbank sides with Kaepernick, the grievance can continue.

It is not known when Burbank will issue his ruling. In 2012, Burbank sided in favor of the NFL regarding the New Orleans Saints bounty system in which opposition players were targeted for injury. Burbank, after a five-day deliberation, ruled that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had the power to punish Saints players.

Kaepernick in 2016 popularized the silent protest during the national anthem before NFL games. Dozens of NFL players followed suit, touching off a roaring national debate. Following the 2016 season, Kaepernick opted out of his 49ers contract. He has not played since. He said he would like to return to the NFL but cannot find a team to sign him. His legal team argues that Kaepernick is being blackballed.

– Appeal-democrat news services