One of the most outspoken players in the NFL thinks the league has had enough of his antics.
As a newly singed Carolina Panthers safety and one of the original anthem protesters, Eric Reid hasn’t shied away from controversy. As a close confidant and former teammate of Colin Kaepernick, he’s been at the center of almost every major argument in the league over the past several years. He even filed a grievance against the NFL for allegedly blackballing him out of a contract. (RELATED: Colin Kaepernick Reacts To Anthem Protestor Signing With NFL Team)
During week 7, Reid confronted Eagles safety Malcom Jenkins about the anthem protest controversy. It’s not clear what sort of words were exchanged before the game (you can guess they weren’t nice, since Jenkins no longer protests the anthem and has worked with police to raise awareness for injustice and brutality) but in his post-game comments, Reid called Jenkins a “sellout” and a “Neo-colonialist.”
Eric Reid calls Malcolm Jenkins a “sellout” and a “neo-colonialist.” pic.twitter.com/uQfhz6o7FF
— Bo Wulf (@Bo_Wulf) October 21, 2018
Reid also claims he’s been drug tested five times since signing with the Panthers in September.
The NFL has randomly selected Eric Reid to take a drug test after tonight’s game.
Reid’s response: “This is like the fifth time since I’ve been here … They’re not going to catch me on anything.”
Says he’s got nothing to hide, doesn’t take anything illegal pic.twitter.com/hUIJSW4LqY
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) November 9, 2018
And on Thursday night during his game against the Steelers, Reid was ejected for an admittedly hard and late hit on Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger.
Eric Reid. That was a dirty hit.pic.twitter.com/kRz9Xyf4we
— Gridiron (@Gridiron) November 9, 2018
Panthers S Eric Reid is ejected for this hit to the head/neck area of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger#CARvsPIT pic.twitter.com/16hjffMJCd
— Kevin Boilard (@247KevinBoilard) November 9, 2018
Carolina coach Ron Rivera agrees with Reid, saying it was a bad call in his postgame comments.
“I don’t think that was warranted. I don’t think he hit him hard enough,” he said, per reporter Bill Voth.
Panthers S Eric Reid is ejected for this hit to the head/neck area of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger#CARvsPIT pic.twitter.com/16hjffMJCd
— Kevin Boilard (@247KevinBoilard) November 9, 2018
Whether or not the league is out to get him, Reid is expected to return next week.