Panthers' Reid says HC Rivera doesn't have a choice about right to protest

Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid said head coach Ron Rivera will not have any impact on his decision to protest police brutality and racial inequality during the national anthem.

Reid has continued to protest upon being signed by the Panthers in September and will continue to do so as the season marches on.

"Very respectfully, he doesn't have a choice,'' Reid said on Wednesday to ESPN's David Newton. "He's entitled to his opinion, but I know what my rights are. His family was a military family much like many of my people were in the military. My cousin just got back from Afghanistan. My mom was in the armed services. My uncle was enlisted. The list goes on.

"But when they get home they're still black in America. They're going to fight the same wars when they get home and still face the same things I'm talking about. So I get encouragement from my family that served in the armed forces because they agree with what I'm saying.''

Reid recently took issue with Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins for his actions as a member of the Players Coalition, irate over him accepting NFL funding for programs and causes championed by the coalition. After the Panthers defeated the Eagles, Reid called Jenkins a sellout and a neocolonialist.

Amid some criticism, Reid said he's not concerned with public backlash.

"Everybody is entitled to their opinion, I'm expressing mine,'' Reid said. "In the stands, I've always heard the people yelling. When I'm in the community, when I get approached, I can honestly say I've not had anybody say stop kneeling in public. It's all been supportive.''

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