KAEPERNICK SUES FOR COLLUSION

[HairOfTheDog]

What do you think, does he have a solid case?

I think he has some information that confirms his belief, emails, memos, recordings, things of that nature. He has something that is going to prove his case and I think he's probably had it for quite awhile.

This could be an interesting evidentiary twist to the case.

The influence and power of President Donald Trump will be a central element in Colin Kaepernick's collusion grievance against the NFL, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, identifying the culture fostered by the leader of the free world as a factor in teams failing to extend a contract offer for work-out invitation to the former Super Bowl quarterback since he became a free agent in March.

Kaepernick's case might focus on the tweets and other communications of the president, according to the source, noting numerous instances where Trump expressed his influence over owners in this manner.

Per the CBA language on collusion: "No Club, its employees or agents shall enter into any agreement, express or implied, with the NFL or any other Club, its employees or agents to restrict or limit individual Club decision-making ... "

In this instance, Kaepernick could argue, in addition to "express" collusion -- generally emails, text messages or written/oral arrangements among clubs or the league office -- that some or all NFL clubs/owners also had an "implied" agreement with the league and/or each other based on messages received from President Trump, which the president publicly discussed on Twitter and in speeches to restrict decision-making regarding signing Kaepernick.

Trump has Tweeted and commented about speaking to owners directly on matters of protesting players‎ and boasted of his sway over them when it comes to protesting players. He has mentioned ownership fear of drawing his wrath on social media and urged teams publicly to fire protesting players, referring to kneeling players as "sons of bitches" at a recent rally in Alabama.

Full piece: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/colin...influence/