Panthers' Eric Reid: Ron Rivera doesn't have kneeling veto

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera consistently has made it clear he has no issue with safety Eric Reid kneeling during the national anthem as a protest against social injustice even if it goes against his personal beliefs having grown up in a military family.

Rivera has said repeatedly Reid simply is exercising his First Amendment rights.

"Very respectfully, he doesn't have a choice,'' Reid said on Wednesday when asked about having Rivera's support in kneeling. "He's entitled to his opinion, but I know what my rights are. His family was a military family much like many of my people were in the military. My cousin just got back from Afghanistan. My mom was in the armed…