Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid recently revealed his plans to continue to silently protest against social injustice and racial inequality during the upcoming football season.
In an interview with the Charlotte Observer, Eric explained why he would still be bringing the protest into the all-new football season.
He said, “If a day comes that I feel like we’ve addressed those issues, and our people aren’t being discriminated against or being killed over traffic violations, then I’ll decide it’s time to stop protesting. I haven’t seen that happen.”
If you all remember, Eric joined his former teammate Colin Kaepernick during his silent protest when they were both still a part of the San Francisco 49ers. Although Colin wasn’t signed to another team, Eric received an offer from the Panthers last September to a one-year deal.
The Panthers head coach Ron Rivera didn’t express any concerns about Eric’s protest and acknowledged that it was his First Amendment right and not an issue. According to the Bleacher Report, at that time Coach Rivera said, “The biggest reason it’s not an issue to me is because I believe in the First Amendment and that’s all he did was he exercised his First Amendment.”
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Eric continued to silently protest by kneeling during the 13 games he played with the Panthers. In February, the team resigned him to a three-year deal.
Eric continued to talk about why he’ll be kneeling during this upcoming season and said, “It feels like we’re going backward. You’d like to think we’re past certain things, the way we treat people. I thought we were at a time where you love your neighbor as yourself. But as I’ve studied history — it hasn’t repeated itself necessarily, but it’s dressed a little different and is acting the same.”
Roommates, what are your thoughts?
Source: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/scott-fowler/article233193221.html
