Colin Kaepernick case proceeding with NFL owners deposed
By Joe Romano
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is pushing forward with a lawsuit against the NFL. New details are emerging as NFL owners are now being deposed.
The legal battles around the NFL keep growing. Ezekiel Elliott’s court case continues through another week. Now more details are coming forward surrounding Colin Kaepernick’s lawsuit against the league.
Kaepernick and his legal team have stated that the NFL is actively colluding to keep him out of the league. The quarterback turned social justice advocate has been in the media since first taking a knee during the national anthem a season ago.
ESPN is reporting that multiple owners will be deposed for this suit. Dallas Cowboys’ Jerry Jones, Houston Texans’ Bob McNair, and New England Patriots’ Bob Kraft were first mentioned. ABC and ESPN also included San Francisco 49ers’ owner Jed York and Seattle Seahawks’ Paul Allen in the deposition. The owners must hand over any cell phone or email records pertaining to Kaepernick.
In an odd turn of events, Kaepernick decided to hire his own personal attorney. Mark Gregaros will represent Kaepernick. Gregaros is a well-known attorney who has represented other high profile cases. A spoke person for the NFLPA has made it clear that they are here to help Kaepernick in any way possible.
The actual case will be tough to prove. ESPN reports that an arbitration will occur and the exact language of the case.
"The filing, which demands an arbitration hearing on the matter, says the NFL and its owners “have colluded to deprive Mr. Kaepernick of employment rights in retaliation for Mr. Kaepernick’s leadership and advocacy for equality and social justice and his bringing awareness to peculiar institutions still undermining racial equality in the United States.”"
Next: Ezekiel Elliott suspension on hold again
Kaepernick and his legal team face an uphill battle. Collusion is tough to prove. Having the cell phone and e-mail records of these owners does make the process a bit easier.