Reid files grievance alleging collusion
The NFL players’ union says former San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid filed a grievance against the league, alleging he remains unsigned as a result of collusion by owners.
Reid, a Pro Bowler in 2013, had joined former teammate Colin Kaepernick two seasons ago in kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality.
Kaepernick wasn’t signed for the 2017 season following his release in San Francisco. Reid continued the quarterback’s protests. The 26-year-old safety became a free agent this offseason when his rookie contract with the 49ers expired.
“Our union is aware that Eric Reid and his legal representatives filed a collusion claim, which will be heard through the arbitration process as spelled out in our collective bargaining agreement,” the NFL Players Association said in a statement Wednesday. “Our union supports Eric and we are considering other legal options to pursue.”
Kaepernick previously filed a collusion grievance that is in the discovery stage. He deposed several league owners and executives, including Commissioner Roger Goodell. Reid is using the same attorneys as Kaepernick.
A league spokesman said Wednesday: “We are abiding by the confidentiality provision of the CBA and have no comment.”
Jaguars: Declined to exercise the fifth-year option in defensive end Dante Fowler’s rookie contract. The decision means Fowler, the third overall pick in 2015 who had eight sacks last year, could become a free agent in 2019. Had the Jaguars picked up the option, they would have been on the hook for $14.2 million in 2019.
Steelers: Officially placed linebacker Ryan Shazier on injured reserve for the 2018 season to give him more time to recover from spinal stabilization surgery. General manager Kevin Colbert ruled Shazier out for 2018 earlier this year. Shazier, injured in a game at Cincinnati last December, walked publicly for the first time in nearly five months when he strode onto the stage to announce Pittsburgh’s first-round pick in last week’s NFL draft.
ODDS AND ENDS
MLB: San Francisco right-hander Johnny Cueto may meet with specialist Dr. James Andrews on the Giants’ upcoming road trip to get his sore pitching elbow evaluated. Cueto was placed on the disabled list Tuesday night with inflammation in his right elbow. Manager Bruce Bochy later acknowledged that Cueto had been pitching with soreness in his previous two starts. The Giants are awaiting results of an MRI on Cueto’s elbow.
NHL: The Dallas Stars reached into the collegiate ranks to find their new head coach, reaching agreement to hire Jim Montgomery from the University of Denver, The Associated Press reported. Montgomery takes over for Ken Hitchcock, who retired last month and will become a consultant for the Stars.
NBA: Thunder general manager Sam Presti said coach Billy Donovan’s job is safe despite a disappointing season. Oklahoma City had high expectations but lost in the first round of the playoffs to Utah. Donovan has a 150-96 regular-season record with the Thunder.
Soccer: European federations stand to earn up to $75 million every two years if plans for a new global league are approved as part of FIFA’s $25 billion overhaul of competitions. The extent of the windfall is outlined in a letter from FIFA President Gianni Infantino to members of his ruling council ahead of crucial meetings that could reshape the world’s biggest sport.