Colin Kaepernick, the 49er’s quarterback famous for kneeling during the anthem to protest police brutality, just secured a legal win over the National Football League (NFL) today. Kaepernick’s allegations the NFL colluded to deny him a contract because of his protest will be given a formal hearing after an NFL arbitrator refused the league’s request to a legal summary judgment.

As Kaepernick rose to national stardom for his “take a knee” national anthem protest, he was left with no team after the 2016 season. These tensions around conversations on race and politics heightened when President Trump was elected.

Last year, Kaepernick charged a legal grievance against the NFL, claiming that the league owners were colluding to keep him from playing as punishment for protesting.

Kaepernick’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, stated at the time, “principled and peaceful protest… should not be punished and athletes should not be denied employment based on partisan political provocation by the Executive Branch of our government.”

While the league cannot appeal the arbitrator’s decision for a formal hearing, they can appeal the final ruling.

The decision will have far-reaching impacts on future players’ freedoms.

The New York Times reports that the case could also be settled by the two sides before the hearing takes place.