Colin Kaepernick blasts NFL’s social-justice messaging as ‘propaganda’

The social-justice messaging that took place during the NFL’s opening weekend is more lip service than legitimate, says Colin Kaepernick, the former quarterback who started a movement and was seemingly blackballed by the league.

“While the NFL runs propaganda about how they care about Black Life, they are still actively blackballing Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) for fighting for the Black community,” Kaepernick tweeted Sunday. “Eric set 2 franchise records last year, and is one of the best defensive players in the league.”

Reid is one of the top free agents on the market. He started every game for the Carolina Panthers last season, notching 130 tackles and four sacks.

Kaepernick cited the 28-year-old Reid’s job status as evidence the NFL’s social justice initiatives are hollow.

When Kaepernick, 32, first knelt for the national anthem in 2016 — a U.S. Army Green Beret having suggested it as the most respectful form of protest over social injustice and police brutality — Reid was the first 49ers teammate to join him.

The move – prompted by Nate Boyer, a veteran who had served in both Iraq and Afghanistan – sparked a conversation the NFL initially refused to have but has now been forced to admit it should’ve taken part in years ago.

The NFL apologized in the wake of the death of George Floyd, admitting it failed to take meaningful action on the social justice front. But Kaepernick has still been unsigned since 2016.

Kaepernick and Reid reached reached an undisclosed settlement — reportedly less than $10 million — with the NFL in February 2019 over their collusion grievance against the league and owners.