‘Random’ drug testing continues for Carolina Panthers Eric Reid

Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid continues to be a target for random drug tests.

The Carolina Panthers took a risk signing safety Eric Reid just three games into the 2018 season after Da’Norris Searcy was placed on injured reserve. Amid a law suit against the NFL and being the first player to kneel alongside former quarterback Colin Kaepernick in protest of social injustice during the national anthem, Reid was presented as a football signing in the best interest of the team.

A former first-round draft pick (No. 18 overall) who had started for the San Francisco 49ers since being selected, his skill set was obvious and the need was apparent. Reid quickly made an impact and received a three-year contract extension for his efforts during the offseason.

Throughout the course of his return, Reid felt he was unfairly being subjected to drug tests following Panthers football games. Over the course of 11 weeks, Reid was chosen to complete what is supposed to be a random drug test – seven times. The frequency earned comments from those inside the locker room, to the coaching staff but ultimately it was determined that his allegations of being unfairly targeted weren’t substantiated.

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However, the new NFL league year began March 13 and despite playing only one preseason football game, Reid has already been subjected to three random drug tests. According to Reid, two came during the first couple weeks of training camp. Picking up right where he left off, the Panthers safety continues to undergo testing which has only resulted in clean reports to this point.

Following a joint investigation from the NFL and NFLPA completed last year, Reid doesn’t have much of an argument moving forward but it is evident the testing is becoming all too familiar. While the subjects for these particular tests are typically not disclosed, or given any special consideration (unless there’s a positive result), the frequency with which Reid has been chosen is something that should warrant attention moving forward.

The Panthers host many familiar faces on the Buffalo Bills this Friday (8/16), but if Reid is subjected to another test afterwards remains to be seen.