This suspension will probably be labeled as a private conduct violation, Rapoport adds. The suspension stems from a November incident for which Thomas was arrested. The 31-year-old was alleged to have pushed a contractor and thrown a brick at his windshield after a verbal altercation. Thomas’ illustration later denied the scenario grew to become violent.
In March, it was realized Thomas was set to enter a pre-trial diversion program. Upon its completion, the case – which introduced forth misdemeanor easy battery and legal mischief prices – was dropped. That introduced an finish to the three-time Professional Bowler’s authorized scenario, however precedent has proven legal convictions usually are not required for NFL suspensions to be handed down. On this case, Thomas will now be required to sit down out a minimum of the opening sport of the marketing campaign, though he’s presently set to overlook rather more time than that within the absence of a contract.
Thomas was among the many NFL’s high receivers throughout his prime years in New Orleans. The previous second-rounder broke the all-time receptions document in 2019 (149), main the league in yards as nicely (1,725). That manufacturing earned him Offensive Participant of the 12 months honors, however issues haven’t gone in keeping with plan since. Accidents restricted him to 10 video games between 2020 and ’22, and he suited up for that many contests final season.
In a transfer arrange by the character of his contract, Thomas was cut by the Saints this offseason. No groups have been related to a free agent pursuit as a result of lengthy record of illnesses he has handled in recent times, one thing which has in fact additionally harm his manufacturing. Thomas stays free to signal with a brand new staff at any time, however within the wake of Friday’s information, his probabilities of touchdown a deal earlier than the beginning of the season have taken a success.