Grievance filed by NFLPA for ex-49er
The NFL Players Association filed a non-injury grievance on behalf of former 49ers safety Eric Reid, alleging one NFL team’s decision not to sign the free agent is directly tied to his national anthem protests.
Reid, who last week sued the NFL for collusion during his lengthy free agency, has had only one official visit — with the Cincinnati Bengals, who reportedly asked him if he would continue to kneel during the playing of the national anthem. Reid told reporters last month he would not take a knee during the anthem, but the players’ association contends a team isn’t supposed to ask about such a protest.
“At least one club owner has asked pre-employment interview questions about a player’s intent to demonstrate,” the NFLPA said in a statement released Monday. “We believe those questions are improper, given league policy.”
Protesting the national anthem is not against the NFL’s policy, but the league has talked about allowing each club to determine its own anthem policy. However, citing the labor agreement, the NFLPA said league rules supersede individual club rules. BEADLES OUT WITH 49ERS >> The 49ers have released offensive lineman Zane Beadles, their opening day starter at left guard from a year ago.
Beadles was replaced in the starting lineup after one game because of the acquisition of Laken Tomlinson. Beadles then started the final four games of the season at right tackle.
Beadles played 32 games with 21 starts in two seasons with the 49ers. He hasn’t missed a game in eight seasons with Denver, Jacksonville and the 49ers.
RAIDERS MOVES >> The Raiders have signed three players and waived three after rookie mini-camp. Tight end Paul Butler, fullback Henry Poggi and running back Chris Warren were all signed after participating in minicamp on a tryout basis.
Hockey
U.S. STILL UNBEATEN >> The United States beat Germany 3-0 to stay unbeaten and Russia shut out a third straight opponent at the world ice hockey championship at Herning, Denmark.
U.S. captain Patrick Kane broke the deadlock against Germany and assisted on the other two goals.
Tennis
DJOKOVIC EARNS ENCOURAGING VICTORY >> Novak Djokovic notched an encouraging win in his comeback from a right elbow injury when he beat Kei Nishikori 7-5, 6-4 in the first round of the Madrid Open.
Djokovic broke serve late in each set to get past the 20th-ranked Nishikori after nearly two hours.
Wagering
TEXAS WOMAN WINS BIG >> Justify’s win in the 2018 Kentucky Derby capped a $1.2 million payday for a Central Texas woman.
Margaret Reid of Austin was at Retama Park, near San Antonio, watching and wagering the day’s racing Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisiville, Kentucky.
Reid wagered $18 on a Pick 5 bet, picking which horses she thought would win the Derby and the four Churchill Downs races leading up to it.
And she hit each one: Limousine Liberal in the Churchill Downs Stakes, Maraud in the American Turf Stakes, 39-1 longshot Funny Duck in the Pat Day Mile Stakes, 9-1 longshot Yoshida in the Old Forester Turf Classic Stakes, then Justify in the Derby.