Eric Reid Calls Malcolm Jenkins a 'Sellout' and 'Neocolonialist' After Pregame Skirmish
Panthers safety Eric Reid and Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins got into a dispute before the coin toss of Philadelphia's home matchup with Carolina on Sunday, ultimately being separated by teammates.
Both players have been outspoken voices regarding racial injustice, with each demonstrating during the national anthem. But the pair disagreed about the best manner to enact social change, specifically arguing over the "Players Coalition" created by Jenkins and Anquan Boldin in November.
Watch Reid and Jenkins exchange words below.
Jenkins's coaltion partnered with the NFL in May to dedicate "close to $90 million for efforts and programs combating social inequality."
"We would rather not be demonstrating or protesting," Jenkins told SI in September. "The only reason that we feel it necessary is that guys have been doing work on their own in these areas, whether it be racial justice, social justice, criminal justice reform or civil rights."
Reid and Dolphins safety Michael Thomas broke from the coalition in November, saying they "don't believe the coalition's beliefs are in our best interests as a whole."
Reid took his comments further upon being signed by the Panthers on Sept. 27, calling the coalition "an NFL-funded subversion group," on Oct. 1.
The bad blood continued once the game started on Sunday. Reid body slammed Eagles tight end Zach Ertz in the first quarter following a hit on QB Carson Wentz.
Philadelphia led Carolina 10-0 in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field at that point in the game.
The Eagles built up a 17-0 lead, but the Panthers scored 21 unanswered to come back for a 21-17 win.
Reid continued his criticism of Jenkins postgame, telling reporters, "he sold us out" and adding he would call Jenkins a "neocoloniolist," or someone who uses capitalism as a way to maintain power structures within society.
When told about Reid's comments, Jenkins told reporters, "I never get up here and talk bad about somebody who I knew was genuinely out to help other people."
