When former 49er’s safety Eric Reid interviewed with Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown on Monday, he wasn’t prepared to have his participation in last season’s national anthem protests become a focal point.

But, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, that’s exactly what happened.

“Brown initiated  the discussion regarding the issue of kneeling during the anthem,” Florio wrote. “The conversation almost exclusively centered on the topic, with Brown explaining that he intends to prohibit it — and with Brown at one point asking Reid for his response. Reid, caught off guard by the line of questioning, wasn’t willing to make a commitment on the spot.”

Last month, Reid reportedly said he does not plan on kneeling or otherwise demonstrating during the anthem next season. But, he added, while he does plan on looking for other ways to bring attention to societal issues, he hasn’t fully committed to the idea of not kneeling. Florio said the meeting ended without an offer being made to Reid, despite him taking a physical and reviewing game film with the coaching staff.

Reid has spent his entire five-year NFL career in San Francisco after being selected in the first round out of LSU.  He’s recorded 10 interceptions, 36 pass defenses, 264 tackles, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.