A PR nightmare for the NFL began last year when Colin Kaepernick filed a grievance against the league and the team owners conspiring against him for his protests during the National Anthem.

The lawsuit is proceeding with the hearing portion. Both parties will present testimonies, footage and evidence. The final decision on if there was collusion will be made by the arbitrator, Stephan Burbank.

In recent weeks, the Burbank ruled in favor of Kaepernick to have a hearing to present evidence to see if two teams or the NFL and one team were colluding against him. “Politically, if you’re the arbitrator, in a case as big as this is, there’s no way to throw it out,” said Charles Grantham, who was interviewed by the New York Times.

Burbank did not eliminate any teams from the case. Although the case has proceeded, many believe it is hard to find a smoking gun to prove his allegations. If Kaepernick wins the case though, he could receive double what he would have received playing in the NFL.

Vox reported Kaepernick did talk to the Seattle Seahawks and the Baltimore Ravens after his protests began but no contracts were offered. He believes less talented players were given contracts over him because of the protests.

“There’s a host of reasons why a club would individually or independently not offer him a contract,” Matt Mitten told the New York Times. Some team officials have said that they believe Kaepernick’s best years are behind him. Other have said they do not want to sign him to become a back up.

The protest has caused an uproar from fans of the NFL and the President. Kaepernick believes the President is a key element in his argument. Trump is known for being friends with Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, and New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft.

The protests have not stopped with Kaepernick not on the field. Malcom Jenkins and De’Vante Bausby raised their fists in their season opener. Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson kept the cause going by kneeling in their opener. Many other players wore t-shirts describing the oppression African Americans have faced in recent years. The networks ESPN and CBS will not air the National Anthem to prevent from losing viewers.

 

Vox reported Kaepernick did talk to the Seattle Seahawks and the Baltimore Ravens after his protests began but no contracts

https://www.vox.com/identities/2018/9/6/17820158/colin-kaepernick-collusion-grievance-nfl-protest-donald-trump

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2018/09/05/nfls-fumbling-of-national-anthem-a-pr-nightmare-for-the-league.html

https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/9/6/17825108/nfl-national-anthem-policy-player-protests-colin-kaepernick-collusion-explained

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/30/sports/colin-kaepernick-collusion-case-nfl.html

https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/08/30/colin-kaepernick-collusion-case-nfl-arbitrator