Panthers coach does not want to talk about Eric Reid kneeling

The Carolina Panthers knew that kneeling would be a topic of conversation when they signed Eric Reid, and it’s not something Ron Rivera wants to spend much time answering.

Rivera’s Panthers beat the New York Giants 33-31 on a stunning 63-yard field goal by Graham Gano Sunday. After the game, Rivera was asked about the newly-signed Reid kneeling before his first game with the team.

Rivera, on Reid: I’m not going to talk about a guy exercising his first amendment rights. I’m going to talk about what happens on the football field.

— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) October 7, 2018

Reid signed with the Panthers on Sept. 27 after going through the offseason unsigned. The safety is involved in a collusion case against the NFL.

Reid kneeling is something the Panthers had to know would be a possibility when they signed him. Rivera is choosing to focus on football rather than talk extensively about the matter.