Kaepernick claims owners colluding

NEW YORK - Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, an NFL free agent who last year began a kneeling protest during the national anthem that has spiralled into a major controversy, has filed a collusion grievance against the NFL, according to multiple reports.

CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and ESPN-ABC reported on the weekend that the 29-year-old, who spent six seasons with the 49ers, has gone to court rather than go through the NFL Players Association with his grievance claim.

Kaepernick claims owners have colluded to keep him out of the league because of his protests during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner last season.