After Colin Kaepernick came under fire for changing the location of his NFL workout, Eric Reid came to the quarterback's defense.
On Saturday, Kaepernick was invited to workout with the NFL to showcase his athleticism after being exiled for three years, allegedly because of his police brutality protests. Kaep was criticized by several, including ESPN First Take co-host Stephen A. Smith, for changing the time and location of the workout after learning no media would be present and he would have to sign a liability waiver.
The current Carolina Panthers player was the first to join Kaepernick in kneeling during the national anthem when they both played for the San Francisco 49ers.
Reid applauded Kaep for taking control of the situation and allowing the media to film his workout, rather than opting for the closed setting the NFL planned.
https://t.co/SdQOtfHmtD
pic.twitter.com/7FlxOiF24O— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) November 16, 2019
We already knew Colin’s arm talent was elite. Some doubted and now you have proof. Also, transparency is important. There’s no way we would allow the @NFL to control the narrative of Colin’s workout by not allowing media presence! Not to mention that dubious waiver
— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) November 16, 2019
While supporting his friend via Twitter, Reid came across the sports commentator's video alleging Kaep doesn’t actually want to play in the NFL because of the way he approached the workout.
The fact that Colin Kaepernick didn't show up to his original workout location eradicates his points altogether. pic.twitter.com/ROYderTuPw
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 18, 2019
“Twenty five teams show up in Georgia at the Atlanta Falcons practice facility — state of the art facility, NFL personnel, equipment, video, everything, and what does Colin Kaepernick do,” Smith said referencing Kaep's decision to change the location of the session, during a episode of ESPN's First Take, “Colin Kaepernick wants to change the venue.”
“He don’t want to play. He wants to be a martyr…You don’t want to work. You just want to make noise and you want to control the narrative,” Smith continued. “It’s over.”
Reid took issue with Smith’s remarks, alluding that the ESPN host is playing up to the NFL to make the league happy. Reid tweeted at Smith, citing Malcolm X and saying Smith doesn’t get a pass just because he’s Black. He questioned why Kaep would trust the NFL given its treatment of him. He also alleged that the TV personality has been on the league’s side this whole time in trying to keep Kaepernick out of a job.
.@stephenasmith Tap dancing for the NFL like ⬇️. Damn straight Colin wants to control the narrative! He supposed to trust the organization that blackballed him and has done absolutely nothing in good faith??? Born on Tuesday, just not last Tuesday. https://t.co/EKztmcrDbu
pic.twitter.com/gz0xnDe10e— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) November 17, 2019
"Tap dancing for the NFL like ⬇️. Damn straight Colin wants to control the narrative!" Reid tweeted to Smith. "He supposed to trust the organization that blackballed him and has done absolutely nothing in good faith??? Born on Tuesday, just not last Tuesday.
The sports analyst had some words for Reid after learning of his comments. He criticized him for continuing to collect a check from the NFL despite his constant critiques of the league. He also made it clear that he believes the NFL is wrong in blackballing the quarterback, but he disagrees with the way Kaep approached the Saturday workout.
Man, please. You embarrass yourself @E_Reid35 every single time you open your mouth. You — of all people — talking of tap dancing when you’re the one collecting a check from the very institution you collect a check from. You @E_Reid35, who takes a knee — supposedlyfor brothers —
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 17, 2019
Huh @E_Reid35? To call our or beat up everyone who utters a word you disagree with? All Brithers, BTW. Let me tell you something Mr. @E_Reid35: Kaepernick has been supported. We’ve all said he was done wrong. That he was blackballed. That he should be in the league. Who the hell
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 17, 2019
Reid seemed to have ignored most of Smith’s tweets and continued to show support for his friend. After his game Sunday, Reid commented on the workout after his own game against the Falcons.
Eric Reid speaking with the media now about Colin Kaepernick’s workout yesterday.
More ⬇️@E_Reid35 | @Kaepernick7 | @wcnc | @SportsWCNC
pic.twitter.com/qq4Uukux1t— Ashley Stroehlein (@ashstro) November 17, 2019
The game was held in Atlanta and Reid was at Kaep’s workout the day before to encourage his former teammate.