NFL Seeking Summary Judgement In Colin Kaepernick Collusion Case

The NFL is asking arbitrator Stephen Burbank to issue a summary judgement in Colin Kaepernick‘s collusion lawsuit against the league, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports. Burbank’s next move will decide the future of the case: if he accepts the NFL’s request, the case will end, but if Burbank denies the league, Kaepernick’s grievance will move forward.

As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explains, the NFL is hoping to force Kaepernick to “put his cards on the table.” Kaepernick and his legal team will need to prove they have enough evidence of collusion to continue the lawsuit, meaning the former 49ers quarterback will likely deploy any and all “smoking guns” he has on hand. If Kaepernick does so, the league will then have an idea of his team’s trial plan.

Burbank’s summary judgement will be the “most pivotal moment” in Kaepernick’s case, per Robinson, as the arbitrator’s decision will decide the future of the lawsuit. However, law requires all facts to be viewed “in the most favorable light” towards Kaepernick, according to Florio, meaning he shouldn’t have a tough time forcing the case to continue.

Kaepernick, of course, has not played in the NFL since 2016, as clubs have shunned the former 30-year-old following his national anthem demonstrations. While he was scheduled to work out for the Seahawks earlier this year, the audition was eventually canceled after Kaepernick declined to stop kneeling during the anthem.

View Comments (27)