Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid and Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins had to be separated Sunday before the coin toss at Lincoln Financial Field.
The nature of the dispute isn’t known, but Reid had called the Players Coalition, which Jenkins runs, an “NFL-funded subversion group” earlier this month. The Panthers safety was initially a member of the group, but left with Dolphins safety Michael Thomas after the two disagreed with the coalition’s strategy.
In May, the Players Coalition and the NFL announced they would be partnering together to fund $90 million toward causes that would combat racial inequality.
Both Reid and Jenkins have been outspoken about social justice issues and have protested before NFL games.
#Eagles Malcolm Jenkins and #Panthers Eric Reid had confrontation after the coin toss before the game started.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 21, 2018
Reid had major concerns with Malcolm Jenkins’ Players Coalition that raised nearly $100 million to causes considered important to African-American communities. pic.twitter.com/qBsfDr4yLi
Reid was initially out of the league to begin the season, but the Panthers signed him on Sept. 27 to fill a void at safety. When he returned, Reid resumed his protest, taking a knee during the playing of the national anthem before games.
During Sunday’s game, Reid also got into a scrap with Eagles tight end Zach Ertz. Reid delivered a hit on Carson Wentz and Ertz tried to retaliate before Reid body slammed him. Both players were given flags on the play.
Here’s Eric Reid losing it for the 2nd time today. 1st was the coin toss. Here he body slams Zach Ertz who rightfully went after him after he hit Carson Wentz late #Eagles #FlyEaglesFly
— Jamie Apody (@JamieApody) October 21, 2018
pic.twitter.com/WSSDwLuEUu
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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