Michael Thomas, a prominent wide receiver who spent eight seasons with the New Orleans Saints, is currently a free agent looking for a new team. Despite his history of excellence, he faces a significant obstacle: if he signs with a team in the next week, he will be ineligible for the NFL’s opening week due to a personal conduct policy violation.
The issue stems from an arrest in November 2023, when Thomas had an altercation with a construction worker in Kenner, Louisiana. During the incident, Thomas reportedly threatened the worker, threw a brick at a truck, and knocked the worker’s phone from his hand. This led to Thomas being charged and later entering a pretrial diversion program.
Kenner’s pretrial diversion program serves as a probationary period for first-time offenders. Those enrolled in the program must avoid further legal trouble, potentially complete classes or treatment, and pay fines. Successful completion of the program can prevent a criminal conviction, offering a second chance to those who meet its requirements.
Thomas’s career has had notable highs and lows. Drafted by the Saints in 2016, he had an impressive rookie season with over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns. He continued to perform at a high level, leading the NFL in receiving yards in 2019 and earning the Offensive Player of the Year award. However, his performance has been hindered by injuries in recent years.
Injuries have severely impacted Thomas’s career in recent seasons. He missed the entirety of the 2021 season due to an ankle injury and played only 20 games from 2020 to 2023. These injury issues, combined with his recent legal troubles, have complicated his search for a new team and his potential return to the field.
