After an offseason of acrimony in which Seahawks star safety Earl Thomas requested the team either pay him or trade him to a contender, the six-time Pro Bowler’s season came to the worst possible end on Sunday.
While leaving the field on a cart after breaking his leg in the game versus the Arizona Cardinals, Thomas flipped off the Seahawks sideline displaying his middle finger in a move many described as a classless act for a man of his stature.
Thomas, who was the subject of trade rumors involving himself and LeVeon Bell, wrote on social media back in June, “I will not be attending the upcoming minicamp or any team activities until my contract situation is resolved. I want everyone especially the 12s to know that I want to remain a Seahawk for the rest of my career but I also believe that based on my production over the last 8 years that I’ve earned the right to have this taken care of as soon as possible. I want to have certainty in regards to the upcoming years of my career. I’m going to continue to work my craft and put in work so that I can add to the team and give us the best chance to win. I hope my teammates understand where I’m coming from I believe this is the right thing to do.”
Then, in August, Thomas explained his stance further on The Players’ Tribune, writing, “In the end, it’s like I said: If the Seahawks don’t intend on having me around for the long-term, then I understand. And if they want to start over and rebuild, then that’s their right — it’s part of the business. It’s not what I want … but I get it. All I ask, though, is that if that’s the case, and they don’t want me anymore — just please trade me to an organization that does.”
All of which helps explain why several of his teammates on the Seahawks, both past and present, had his back on Sunday regardless of the gesture he made leaving the field.
#Seahawks star S Earl Thomas suffered a clean, lower leg break but no ligament damage and no displacement, source said. Not nearly as bad as a ligament tear would’ve been. He should be 100% by the Super Bowl… and free agency.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 1, 2018
The Seattle Times reports…
Asked about Thomas’ approach to this season, Seattle receiver Doug Baldwin pointed to the injury Sunday as justification.
“This is why. I know surface-level thinking tells you he’s making a lot of money. And yeah, he is making a lot of money. But relative to this game, relative to what this role entails — he’s a Hall of Fame-caliber player. He’s the best safety in the league,” Baldwin said. “And just like any other profession, you want to be paid accordingly, especially when you have such a high risk of being injured.”
So what did you think about the middle finger? (Which clearly wasn’t intended for the players)
“I feel it,” Baldwin continued. “You have a guy who gives his all. He literally puts his body on the line. … I know there’s a business they have to run. I understand that. But how can you get mad at him? He’s got a business he has to run too.”
Star linebacker Bobby Wagner also understood why Thomas did what he did, saying, “When guys get hurt, and when crazy things happen, there’s a lot of emotions. There’s a lot of things that go through somebody’s mind and somebody’s heart. It might not be right. It might not be the best emotions, but it’s good to have emotions. Let him have emotions for whatever it is.”
Former teammate, and outspoken critic of the NFL, Richard Sherman also voiced his support.
Praying for my brother @Earl_Thomas. Most will never know the hard work and sacrifice daily that goes into playing this game. He will bounce back better than ever that’s who he i.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) October 1, 2018
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said after the game, “I love Earl. I have always loved him. I love everything he has ever done for us. Everything he stood for. It wasn’t always smooth, but it has been good, and I’m proud of the relationship we have. My heart breaks for him.”
Thomas, when asked if he had played last game as a Seahawk, responded, “I don’t know if it was, but I had a damn good time and I’ll go out like that if I have to.”