The arbitrator overseeing a closely watched grievance filed by Colin Kaepernick—a leader of controversial player protests during the playing of the national anthem—denied the NFL’s request ruling for a summary judgment to dismiss the case. Kaepernick, as quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, became the face of the player protests during the national anthem to call attention to social injustices and racial inequality. The league had requested the summary judgment to end the grievance. Although filing for a summary judgment is often a standard move, in this case it could be seen as a public victory for Kaepernick in a case with political and racial tensions. The ruling, in effect, said that there is sufficient evidence for Kaepernick’s grievance to raise a “genuine issue.”The NFL and a lawyer for Kaepernick declined to comment on the ruling.

Source: Wall Street Journal August 30, 2018 21:11 UTC