Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, citing sources familiar with the proceedings, reports that the NFL is pushing for a ruling on whether Colin Kaepernick‘s collusion case has merit to continue or should be dismissed.
According to Robinson, the NFL is specifically requesting that arbitrator Stephen Burbank provide a summary judgment in the case.
Burbank must now determine whether Kaepernick’s legal team has uncovered sufficient evidence to continue the case against the league. In the event Burbank rules that Kaepernick’s attorneys have found evidence to move toward, Robinson says it’s possible that more depositions could be coming. Otherwise, he could dismiss the case in favor of the NFL.
This moves forces Kaepernick’s legal team to file an argument with discovery or deposition material that supports the case continuing.
Kaepernick’s lawyers were expected to seek federal subpoenas to compel testimony from President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and other officials familiar with the president’s agenda on protesting NFL players. However, Robinson points out that all of this would be struck down if Burbank puts an end to the collusion case altogether.
As of now, Kaepernick’s legal team gathered 14 depositions, along with a significant amount of electronic discovery, including emails and text messages.
Last week, Mark Geragos, who represents Kaepernick and Eric Reid in their collusion case against the NFL, said there will be big news at some point in the near future.
“I will just say stay tuned that next week there will be news on Kap and on Eric Reid. That’s all I can say right now,” Geragos said on the “Reasonable Doubt” podcast. “I’m going to say, as you’re listening to this, there will be news next week.”
Kaepernick, 30, is a former second-round pick of the 49ers back in 2010. He was in the third year of his seven-year, $126.97 million contract that included $61 million guaranteed when reached an agreement with the 49ers on a restructured deal.
Kaepernick visited with the Seahawks last year but left Seattle without an agreement. Seattle was reportedly considering signing him to a contract again this offseason, but later canceled a scheduled visit.
In 2016, Kaepernick has completed 59.2 percent of his passes for 2,241 yards and 16 touchdowns and four interceptions, while adding 468 yards rushing. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 27 quarterback out of 36 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding Kaepernick’s case against the NFL as the news is available.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
