Arbitrator Denies The NFL’s Request to Dismiss Colin Kaepernick’s Claim, Sends Grievance To Trial

Colin Kaepernick’s grievance against the NFL, claiming the owners conspired to keep him out of the league over his protest against police brutality and social injustice, is heading to trial.

On Thursday, Kaepernick’s attorney, Mark Geragos, announced the news in a tweet, sharing a picture of arbitrator Stephen B. Burbank’s ruling to deny the league’s request to dismiss.

“On August 28, 2018, the System Arbitrator denied the NFL’s request that he dismiss Colin Kaepernick’s complaint alleging that his inability to secure a player contract since becoming a free agent in March 2017 has been due to an agreement among team owners and the NFL that violates Article 17, Section 1 of the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFLPA (union),” Burbank ruled.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Now, with the league’s request for a summary judgement in the case denied, and enough evidence to move forward with a full hearing, the legal battle between the two could begin as early as this upcoming season, according to NFL.com.

In the meantime, the league has yet to respond.