THE MMQB's Peter King wrote if free agent S Eric Reid "does not get signed, it sends a chilling message about free speech to every NFL player who would think about protesting anything." Colin Kaepernick being unsigned is "reprehensible enough." But if Reid, Kaepernick’s "protest partner" with the 49ers in '16, is "not signed to a representative safety contract this spring, every player will know the league’s mantra: Get in line, or this will happen to you when your contract expires -- no matter how good you are" (SI.com, 4/8).
TROUBLE BREWING? In N.Y., Larry Brooks noted agents met with NHLPA Exec Dir Don Fehr and his staff last week in Toronto, where a "low simmer of a revolt failed to materialize to any consequence." Sources said that Fehr "repeated that he serves at the pleasure of the players and that he would step down if the players no longer support him." But one source said that Fehr was "pointed in saying that 'cannibalizing the union' would only give aid and comfort" to Commissioner Gary Bettman and the owners as the next CBA round "could come as early as September 2019 if either side opts out" (NYPOST.com, 4/8).
SHARE THE LOVE: In Dallas, Gerry Fraley noted driver Kevin Harvick "believes Texas Motor Speedway should be included in a rotation for NASCAR's season-ending championship race." Harvick: "It isn't fair to have it only in one market. It isn't fair to Texas Motor Speedway to not have the opportunity to have the championship race to help build their race market." He added NASCAR needs to "build the enthusiasm in every race market." He said when the playoff races are in "virtually the same spot every year, you don't build the intrigue and enthusiasm" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 4/8).
