According to ESPN, the fight stemmed from a missed assignment by Thomas and carried over to the sideline, where teammates and coaches needed to restrain the two players; Thomas, who reportedly raised his fists in the altercation, did not appear at Saturday’s practice, though Clark was present.
Thomas posted a video of the incident on his Instagram account Saturday afternoon.
“Being sent home sucks,” Thomas wrote. “I can’t take the reps I need to keep momentum going. But I can reflect on things and keep working my plan to help the team win. This has been one of of my best camps crazy a situation like this can [throw] dirt on it.”
This is the second time in as many seasons that Thomas has fought with a teammate. In 2019, he had a heated discussion with defensive lineman Brandon Williams following a 40-25 loss to Cleveland in which Baltimore gave up 530 yards.
A post shared by Earl Thomas III (@earl) on Aug 22, 2020 at 9:44am PDT
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Multiple reports on Saturday suggest Thomas’ future with Baltimore could be in peril. Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, “everything is on the table” for Thomas, including being released by the team. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports also reported the Ravens’ leadership council made it known they no longer wanted him around the team.
If the Ravens decide to release Thomas — who signed a four-year, $55 million deal with Baltimore in March 2019 — the team may try to take action to reduce the incurred cap hit. NBC Sports reports that, per Thomas’ contract, Baltimore could void his $10 million guarantee in 2020 if he’s suspended due to conduct detrimental to the team. That wouldn’t void a $5 million cap hit in 2020 or another $10 million hit in 2021; the team would get a $10 million credit in 2021, however.
Thomas’ behavior certainly isn’t unique to his stint in Baltimore. The three-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler concluded his nine-year stint with the Seahawks by flipping off his own sideline as he was carted off the field with a leg injury.
Only time will tell if Thomas has a similarly objectionable exit in Baltimore.
