Texans safety Justin Reid’s older brother, Panthers safety Eric Reid, labeled the NFL suddenly scheduling a workout for unemployed veteran free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick a public relations stunt.
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Reid’s teammate, Texans wide wide receiver Kenny Stills is skeptical about the situation. Stills wondered aloud if it’s just a media circus and not a legitimate opportunity for Kaepernick, who has been out of the NFL for the past three years since he became the first player to protest social injustice issues by kneeling during the national anthem.
Justin Reid is hopeful that Saturday’s audition for the former San Francisco 49ers starter at the Atlanta Falcons’ training facility leads to something positive. Eleven teams have committed to attending the workout, but attendance of key decision-makers is expected to be low given the short notice of the workout announced Tuesday and the timing one day before most teams have games.
“Personally, I’m excited for Kaep,” Reid said. “We’re excited for him for the opportunity, but I don’t know how many teams are going to go see him. I know he’s been staying in shape the last few years.
“He works out every day. At 6 in the morning, he gets up to train. So, I’m excited for the opportunity for him. Hopefully, something comes out of it for him.”
As Stills noted, though, nothing would have stopped interested teams from scheduling a private workout with Kaepernick.
“Teams could have easily brought him in for a one-on-one workout,” Stills said Wednesday. “I don’t know what’s going on, if it’s some type of media circus or what they’re trying to do. You never know. I haven’t had enough time to look into it, so I can’t really say.”
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