The NFL has proposed a partnership deal with its players of nearly $100 million to spark a change in social justice.
According to Jim Trotter and Jason Reid of ESPN, the league submitted the proposal to players earlier this week in hopes of ending the peaceful movement that has resulted in many athletes opting not to stand for the national anthem.
The money would be allocated towards causes considered critically important to African-American communities.
Over a seven-year period, the owners' contribution would grow from $5 million to $12 million on the national level, with $250,000 being donated at the local level. Players would match the local amount.
While many would view this as a positive step, it doesn't appear to be met with unanimous support, as San Francisco 49ers' safety Eric Reid and Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas announced earlier Wednesday that they've withdrawn from The Players Coalition citing differences with founders Anquan Boldin and Malcolm Jenkins.
The duo tweeted matching statements Wednesday morning to explain the decision, claiming Boldin and Jenkins "no longer speak on our behalf" as their interests don't match the "coalition's beliefs":
— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) November 29, 2017
Reid and Thomas were among the group of players who met with commissioner Roger Goodell and owners last month to discuss pregame national anthem protocol, and how the league and players can work together to promote positive social change and address inequality in communities.
