The dispute between safety Earl Thomas and the Seattle Seahawks quite possible came to a head and somewhat of an ending on Sunday. If it is the latter, it’s an ending that nobody wanted.
Earl Thomas’ contract expires after this season. So today possibly was the last game he played with the Seahawks. Thomas will be free to go where he wants this winter when he becomes a free agent. https://t.co/JJzjgn40Lk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 30, 2018
While he attempted to defend a pass during the Seahawks contest against the Arizona Cardinals, Thomas went down hurt. His leg was placed in an air cast, and the All-Pro was carted off.
After the game, Seattle head coach Pete Carroll told reporters it’s a lower leg fracture. While more tests are sure to follow, it seems as if the nature of the injury could be serious enough to keep Thomas out for the remainder of the season.
“I love Earl. I’ve always loved him, everything he’s ever done for us, everything he’s stood for.”
Pete Carroll says he’s “heartbroken” after Earl Thomas broke his leg today >> https://t.co/ww2KI5nYL4 pic.twitter.com/wPcv9SvPpt
— Dusty Lane (@Dustin_L_Lane) October 1, 2018
Since the start of training camp, the 29-year-old safety has made it known his wish would be for the Seahawks to trade him. He has since missed practices and other team functions, being fined in the process.
Thomas is essentially the last member left of Seattle’s vaunted “Legion of Boom” defensive backfield, a unit that led them to much success in past seasons. The two sides – Thomas and team – couldn’t agree to a contract extension (the player’s current deal expires after this season), which led to the public dispute. Earl Thomas openly lobbied for a trade mainly so that he could land on a team that would be willing to give him a contract to his liking. If the injury is as serious as it is believed to be, Thomas will likely be placed on injured reserve and go into free agency this offseason with an injury cloud hanging over him.
All the frustration wasn’t hidden, either. This was one of the most publicly-played-out contract disputes in recent memory. And the displeasure was on public display as Thomas appeared to make a lewd gesture towards the Seattle sideline while he was carted off the field.
Is this how the #Seahawks career of Earl Thomas will end?
This was pointed to the #Seahawks bench by the way. Since he got hit on the job and they refused to give him a proper contract. pic.twitter.com/XfPVm57BMJ
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 30, 2018
Seattle won the game, 20-17.
