Seahawks superstar Earl Thomas skipping mandatory minicamp
The demise of “The Legion of Boom” continues.
What was once the NFL’s most fearsome defense is being dismantled through age, injuries and money.
Cornerback Richard Sherman, of course, is now in San Francisco.
Strong safety Kam Chancellor is unsure of his future after a career-threatening neck injury.
And now, free safety Earl Thomas is planning to sit out this week’s mandatory minicamp, unhappy about his contract.
The six-time Pro Bowler is entering the last season of a four-year, $40 million contract, but he feels like he’s worth more than the discount deal he signed with Seattle, per ESPN.
On Sunday, Thomas took to Twitter to make his case to the fans.
— Earl Thomas (@Earl_Thomas) June 10, 2018
In the post, Thomas said he wants to stay in Seattle, but “based on my production over the last 8 years … I’ve earned the right to have this taken care of as soon as possible.”
Of course, loyalty in sports is supposed to be a two-way street.
The Seahawks surely haven’t forgot the scene last season, when after beating the Cowboys, Thomas pursued Dallas head coach Jason Garrett and told him, “If y’all have the chance, come get me.”
Earl Thomas went into Cowboys locker room to talk with Dez. Earl to Garrett: “If y’all have the chance, come get me.” pic.twitter.com/RiGkHB1JsX
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 25, 2017
Thomas tried to talk his way out of the awkward situation, telling reporters this wasn’t what it seemed to be.
“I’ve always been a Cowboys fan growing up,” he said. “The biggest thing, though, when I say, ‘Come get me,’ I don’t literally mean come get me now. I’m still in the prime of my career and I want to be here, but when Seattle kicks me to the curb, please, the Cowboys, come get me. That’s the only place I would rather be if I get kicked to the curb. That’s what I meant by it.”
Interestingly, Seattle general manager John Schneider said before the NFL draft that he was told Thomas hadn’t planned on holding out.
If Thomas goes through and misses the three-day minicamp, he could be fined a total of $84,435.
The Hawks kick off camp on Tuesday. We’ll have to see if Thomas is there.
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