Summary Answer
Yes, Colin Kaepernick sued the National Football League in 2017, alleging collusion to deny him employment because of his peaceful protest. The case settled in early 2019 with an undisclosed agreement. The settlement did not reinstate him on an NFL roster, and he has not returned to the league. This explainer covers the timeline, claims, settlement facts, and current status.
Background and Context
Colin Kaepernick, a former NFL quarterback, began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality. After becoming a free agent in 2017, he filed a grievance claiming NFL owners colluded to keep him out of the league. The NFL and many team owners publicly stated his unemployment was due to performance and concerns about his activism. Kaepernick’s case drew widespread attention, transforming into a broader conversation about free speech, protest, and league practices.
Details of the Lawsuit
In October 2017, Kaepernick initiated a collusion grievance against the NFL under the collective bargaining agreement. The grievance alleged that owners acted in concert to prevent him from signing with any team, despite believing he could play in the league. Commissioner Roger Goodrich oversaw the process, and a neutral arbitrator reviewed evidence from both sides. The NFL maintained its position that no collusion occurred and that his lack of employment reflected football-related factors. The case moved toward an evidentiary hearing before arbitration.
Key Legal Claims
- Collusion: Alleged coordinated effort by NFL owners to deny Kaepernick employment.
- Retaliation: Claimed punishment for his constitutional right to peaceful protest.
- Due Process: Argued the league failed to follow fair procedures in handling his grievance.
The 2019 Settlement
In February 2019, Kaepernick and the NFL reached a settlement, ending the arbitration process. The exact terms were not disclosed, but the agreement included a payment to Kaepernick. The deal allowed him to remove the grievance against the league without a ruling on the merits of his collusion claims. Notably, the settlement did not result in a return to an NFL team or a guaranteed roster spot. Both sides stated the resolution allowed them to move forward.
Factual Timeline at a Glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| August 2016 | Kaepernick’s initial kneeling protest begins | Sparked national debate on protest and player power |
| March 2017 | Becomes free agent; no team signs him | Raises questions about market access and retaliation |
| October 2017 | Files collusion grievance with the NFL | Launches formal legal process under the CBA |
| February 2019 | Settlement reached; terms undisclosed | Ends arbitration without a public ruling on collusion |
| Post-2019 | No return to an NFL roster; continues public and philanthropic work | Clarifies current status and ongoing influence off the field |
What the Settlement Meant
The 2019 settlement resolved the legal dispute but did not establish an official finding of collusion. Kaepernick received a financial resolution, yet he never signed with an NFL team after the settlement. The agreement allowed the league to close the grievance without a public admission of wrongdoing. Analysts note that the lack of disclosure leaves many details unclear, though the case remains a landmark example of athlete activism intersecting with league governance.
Current Status and Activity
As of now, Kaepernick has not returned to playing in the NFL. He remains involved in activism, media, and philanthropy through his foundation, focusing on civil rights, education, and underserved communities. He has not indicated any intent to reopen the grievance or pursue further legal action against the league. The NFL continues to operate without him on the roster.
Key Takeaways
- Kaepernick did sue the NFL, filing a collusion grievance in 2017.
- The case centered on whether owners retaliated against his protests.
- The 2019 settlement ended the litigation without a public ruling.
- He received a settlement payment but never returned to an NFL team.
- Kaepernick remains active in activism and philanthropy off the field.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why did Kaepernick sue the NFL?
He alleged that NFL owners colluded to deny him employment because of his national anthem protests and perceived retaliation for his activism.
What happened in the 2019 settlement?
The parties reached an undisclosed settlement, ending the arbitration. The terms were not made public, and no official ruling on collusion was issued.
Did the settlement include a guarantee he would play again?
No. The settlement did not reinstate him or guarantee a roster spot; he has not returned to play in the NFL.
Has the NFL admitted to collusion?
No. The NFL never admitted to collusion, and the settlement did not establish liability on either side.
What is Kaepernick doing now?
He continues activism, media projects, and philanthropy, primarily through his Know Your Rights Camp, focusing on civic engagement and community support.