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by **TriCitySam** » Sun Aug 23, 2020 9:30 am

According to reports, the Ravens are going to trade or cut Earl Thomas....boy the end came quickly for him. I wonder if he regrets his final gesture with the Hawks? One and done, bad deal for the Ravens.

by **Oly** » Sun Aug 23, 2020 9:45 am

It's too bad he couldn't figure out how to leave that combative, competitive streak on the field. It seems like he's his own worst enemy at times.

by **c_hawkbob** » Sun Aug 23, 2020 10:42 am

I think he's gonna get picked up by the 'Boys, which has been his plan all along.

by **RiverDog** » Sun Aug 23, 2020 11:01 am

Reports are that his defensive teammates have been upset at Earl's freelancing and not sticking to the game plan. That's apparently what led to the altercation between him and one of the other safeties that led to him getting sent home. He did not report for practice yesterday, either.

The Ravens have apparently covered their bases as they don't necessarily have to honor Earl's contract if he's suspended for conduct detrimental to the team:

Thomas has a fully guaranteed $10-million salary for 2020, but the guarantee “evaporates if he’s suspended by the Ravens for conduct detrimental to the team,” said Mike Florio, who obtained a copy of Thomas’s contract. “Even if they can avoid the guarantee, cutting Thomas would result in a $5 million cap charge in 2020 and another $10 million in 2021. However, if the suspension sticks, the Ravens would balance out the 2021 cap hit with a $10 million credit.”

https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2020/0 ... hot-clicks

If he is traded or released due to this incident, it would would be his 2nd team in as many years that he's left on unfriendly terms.

by **c_hawkbob** » Sun Aug 23, 2020 12:13 pm

I believe they just released him outright.

by **jshawaii22** » Sun Aug 23, 2020 1:02 pm

Wow, that was quick. Looks like a lot more locker room issues then the "I screwed up on one play" that ET said yesterday when he get sent home from Friday's practice. Interesting that the fight and issues seems to be for ET "freelancing"... isn't that exactly what we loved about him? How the mighty have fallen, and two broken legs don't help, I guess.

by **RiverDog** » Sun Aug 23, 2020 1:47 pm

jshawaii22 wrote:Wow, that was quick. Looks like a lot more locker room issues then the "I screwed up on one play" that ET said yesterday when he get sent home from Friday's practice. Interesting that the fight and issues seems to be for ET "freelancing"... isn't that exactly what we loved about him? How the mighty have fallen, and two broken legs don't help, I guess.

The issues with Earl's 'freelancing' go back into last season. Apparently it's been a recurring complaint from his defensive teammates. He's also been late for or missed several team meetings and there was the incident that resulted in his wife pulling a gun on him. This was only the Raven's 4th full scale practice so you have to think that they had given him some sort of ultimatum.

by **c_hawkbob** » Sun Aug 23, 2020 3:17 pm

jshawaii22 wrote:Wow, that was quick. Looks like a lot more locker room issues then the "I screwed up on one play" that ET said yesterday when he get sent home from Friday's practice. Interesting that the fight and issues seems to be for ET "freelancing"... isn't that exactly what we loved about him? How the mighty have fallen, and two broken legs don't help, I guess.

RiverDog wrote:The issues with Earl's 'freelancing' go back into last season. Apparently it's been a recurring complaint from his defensive teammates. He's also been late for or missed several team meetings and there was the incident that resulted in his wife pulling a gun on him. This was only the Raven's 4th full scale practice so you have to think that they had given him some sort of ultimatum.

Like I said, I think it was his plan to force his release so he could choose his landing spot and we all know he wants to play for his home town Cowboys.

by **RiverDog** » Sun Aug 23, 2020 3:38 pm

c_hawkbob wrote:Like I said, I think it was his plan to force his release so he could choose his landing spot and we all know he wants to play for his home town Cowboys.

At the risk of losing $10M? He must want to play for the 'boys pretty bad.

by **jshawaii22** » Sun Aug 23, 2020 3:42 pm

The Cowboy's didn't make a pitch for him last time, so why would they suddenly change and now want him? I just don't see it. Welcome to Cleveland or Jacksonville.

EDIT: Seems that 'Boys are #1 on the internet GM's to sign ET. You never know in the NFL. Next they're going to claim JS is on Line 1 to Earl's agent.

by **TriCitySam** » Mon Aug 24, 2020 9:24 am

jshawaii22 wrote:The Cowboy's didn't make a pitch for him last time, so why would they suddenly change and now want him? I just don't see it. Welcome to Cleveland or Jacksonville.

EDIT: Seems that 'Boys are #1 on the internet GM's to sign ET. You never know in the NFL. Next they're going to claim JS is on Line 1 to Earl's agent.

McCarthy today said they have no interest at this time, so Cowboys are our. Houston and Atlanta also have said they have no interest. Seattle never made an effort to extend him....good job JS.

by **RiverDog** » Mon Aug 24, 2020 9:54 am

jshawaii22 wrote:The Cowboy's didn't make a pitch for him last time, so why would they suddenly change and now want him? I just don't see it. Welcome to Cleveland or Jacksonville.

EDIT: Seems that 'Boys are #1 on the internet GM's to sign ET. You never know in the NFL. Next they're going to claim JS is on Line 1 to Earl's agent.

TriCitySam wrote:McCarthy today they have no interest at this time, so Cowboys are our. Houston and Atlanta also have said they have no interest. Seattle never made an effort to extend him....good job JS.

Yea, that shows that Pete and John know a helluva lot more about how players fit into their team than the "internet GM's" that wanted to re-sign ET at all costs despite the fact that he was still under contract. Both Pete and Harbaugh are long term, Lombardi winning successful coaches that are well known around the league as player-friendly. The Ravens aren't the Jets and the Seahawks aren't the Browns. If Earl can't fit into those two locker rooms, it's not going to inspire other teams to push their chips to the center of the table and bet the house on him. I get the sense that something about him has changed.

So we'll see. Earl is a slam dunk first ballot HOF'er and at 31, he still has plenty of tread left on his tires so he shouldn't have a problem hooking up with a contender.

by **NorthHawk** » Mon Aug 24, 2020 10:10 am

Pete's system permits his Safteys to freelance. That's what has given ET his most success
and it sounds like was his biggest problem in Baltimore. So fitting into another system might
be difficult for him to shine.

by **RiverDog** » Mon Aug 24, 2020 12:13 pm

NorthHawk wrote:Pete's system permits his Safteys to freelance. That's what has given ET his most success
and it sounds like was his biggest problem in Baltimore. So fitting into another system might
be difficult for him to shine.

Maybe, but you would think that Earl would have known what kind of system he was getting into before he signed his contract with the Ravens. Additionally, he's been getting into fights with his teammates, which to me sounds more serious than just having a disagreement over scheme.

by **NorthHawk** » Tue Aug 25, 2020 7:30 am

I get the impression that ET thought he could play the same way in any system and they would adapt
their defense to his talents. Such is ego, I suppose - and maybe I'm quite wrong about that.

On another note, Jerruh says he's not ruling out making an offer to ET.

by **obiken** » Wed Aug 26, 2020 1:49 am

NorthHawk wrote:Pete's system permits his Safteys to freelance. That's what has given ET his most success
and it sounds like was his biggest problem in Baltimore. So fitting into another system might
be difficult for him to shine.

He was voted off the Raven Island literally. His flame was extinguished and the Tribe has spoken. ET has an overinflated view of the Safety position and always has. Moreover, I would have taken Ken Easley over him, any day of the week and 3 times on Sunday's.

by **jshawaii22** » Wed Aug 26, 2020 8:25 pm

... River Dog wrote:

So we'll see. Earl is a slam dunk first ballot HOF'er and at 31, he still has plenty of tread left on his tires so he shouldn't have a problem hooking up with a contender.

I'm not so sure about that "slam dunk" on the HOF. I don't see it. Voters to the HOF don't look kindly on players that didn't like the coaches and other players (see: Terrell Owens) -- maybe after he moans about it for 10 years, not a slam dunk.
Speaking on that subject, does he go in as a Seahawk? I assume it's his choice. I think if it takes 10 years, then yes as all remnants of this regime would be gone.

\

by **obiken** » Thu Aug 27, 2020 12:21 am

I agree J, I think he gets in but not first ballot, no way.

by **c_hawkbob** » Thu Aug 27, 2020 4:08 am

I dunno, you spend that many years as the best in the league at your position you gotta have some serious issues otherwise to keep them from voting for you. He ain't in TO territory yet.

by **RiverDog** » Thu Aug 27, 2020 12:46 pm

Earl is the best free safety of his era. In 10 seasons, he has 7 Pro Bowl appearances, has been first team All Pro 3 times, and has played in two SB's with one Lombari. He was named to the 2010's all decade team. I don't see any way that he doesn't get in on the first ballot.

As far as him being radioactive ala T.O., IMO it's an unfair comparison. Yes, the past two years have seen some concerning behavioral issues with Earl. But that pales in comparison to T.O., who was a locker room problem for a much longer period of time and for more teams. Besides, these 'problems' of Earl's are quite speculative in nature.

by **obiken** » Thu Aug 27, 2020 2:55 pm

Okay River, maybe your viewpoint is a little more balanced, as always.

by **RiverDog** » Thu Aug 27, 2020 7:05 pm

obiken wrote:Okay River, maybe your viewpoint is a little more balanced, as always.

There are certain boxes that get check marked if one is to be assured of HOF entry, and one of them is Pro Bowl appearances, and 7 PB's in 10 seasons is perhaps the best in the league over that period of time at any position. Believe it or not, JJ Watt has just 5 PB's in 9 seasons. Aaron Rodgers has 8 in 15 seasons. Walter Jones had 9 PB's in 13 seasons. Eric Berry, his draft classmate/position mate, has 5. Then toss in two SB appearances and a Lombardi, one losing season in 10 years, and the centerpiece of a defense that was responsible for an all time record of the most consecutive games w/o losing by more than 9 points and Earl's as close to a slam dunk first rounder as they come.

by **NorthHawk** » Fri Aug 28, 2020 7:49 am

He certainly has the stats for HoF consideration.
As far as his personality being a detriment for HoF voters, from what I've read, ET
is just a different kind of guy and not a major negative on teams. But then getting
into 2 fights in 2 consecutive Training Camps might lead to a different conclusion.
I'm hoping he doesn't have a substance abuse problem or has been hit in the head
too many times. It would be a sad conclusion to an otherwise great career.

by **RiverDog** » Fri Aug 28, 2020 10:05 am

NorthHawk wrote:But then getting into 2 fights in 2 consecutive Training Camps might lead to a different conclusion. I'm hoping he doesn't have a substance abuse problem or has been hit in the head too many times. It would be a sad conclusion to an otherwise great career.

Let's not forget about the incident he got into with his wife that involved her pointing a gun at him. Something doesn't seem right with Earl. I never thought he'd take a contract dispute so personally that he'd flip off his head coach and arguably the person most responsible for his success, nor did I think that he'd have such problems as he's had with both the players and coaching staff with the Ravens. Sure, it's a different style than he's been used to in his previous nine seasons, but he's a tremendous athlete and should have had no problem adjusting. I never thought he'd be so arrogant as to think that the team should adjust to his style of play.

by **NorthHawk** » Fri Aug 28, 2020 12:06 pm

He may find it frustrating if he's regularly reading a play but not permitted to act on it because of the scheme.
He may also have lost a step so he's not getting there in time. Both could cause a player who's used to making
plays become discontented and end up causing trouble. But maybe Pete was one of the few who knew how to
handle him or put enough leadership around him to temper his outbursts.

by **jshawaii22** » Fri Aug 28, 2020 1:01 pm

I agree with you, RD about his stats, but I still don't think it's an automatic HOF entry in Year #1.

While his final 'finger' was pointed directly to the management of the Seahawks for refusing to renegotiate his contract (or refusing to pony up to what he wanted) we know it was the loss of Kam, who was the Defense Leader, that caused the final downfall as he now had free reign for a total disdain of Pete in the locker room at meetings, etc that pulled in Sherman and Bennett and probably others. His end in Seattle was not about on-field issues-- and the finger going off the field on the cart after he knew his season was over...I fully understand it and I don't think that would have an impact HOF like what he's now done.

His issues with the Ravens are all about on-field and maybe more locker room with coaches AND other players which you can assume led to his refusal to work with player leadership on the team. Getting into a fight with team leadership to the point of being sent home and released, now that's going outside of HOF territory and if it happens again in the future, everything about him will be in doubt.

Baltimore is East Coast media. Seattle's is Egypt. Anything that happens in Baltimore is far more open to negative media reaction and it's also where the bulk of the voters played and/or covered teams in the media over the years.

by **obiken** » Fri Aug 28, 2020 2:57 pm

That was the Hawks whole reason for not paying ET, is Kam. They paid Kam, and look what happened. Paying the Franchise QB and LT is smart, paying 10 million plus for anything but an all star DE is Dumb now days.

by **RiverDog** » Fri Aug 28, 2020 5:02 pm

jshawaii22 wrote:I agree with you, RD about his stats, but I still don't think it's an automatic HOF entry in Year #1.

We'll have to engage in a little friendly betting on that proposition. Anyone else want a piece of the action?

by **jshawaii22** » Sat Aug 29, 2020 12:01 pm

in the year 2035? I'll be happy just to be around.

by **Agent 86** » Thu Jan 07, 2021 11:40 pm

Anyone subscribe to the Athletic? There was a great story yesterday written there about Earl and his departures from both Seattle and Baltimore. It had some really good insight on it. Highly recommend anyone who subscribes to check it out.

Not sure if I am allowed to copy and paste things like that here? Yoder?

by **NorthHawk** » Fri Jan 08, 2021 11:39 am

Agent 86 wrote:Anyone subscribe to the Athletic? There was a great story yesterday written there about Earl and his departures from both Seattle and Baltimore. It had some really good insight on it. Highly recommend anyone who subscribes to check it out.

Not sure if I am allowed to copy and paste things like that here? Yoder?

Just tell us the main points of the article or copy and paste a few sentences that are noteworthy.

by **RiverDog** » Fri Jan 08, 2021 12:40 pm

You might want to send Yoder a PM. He's pretty good about responding.

by **jshawaii22** » Fri Jan 08, 2021 2:15 pm

I've copied and pasted other information here, especially from PFT and the PI, and as long as you give credit to the source/author, it's never been an issue.

On another note --
Since we posted earlier, RD, I'm now sure ET won't get in on the first ballot and now you can add domestic violence to his resume from earlier this year.

by **Agent 86** » Fri Jan 08, 2021 2:25 pm

RiverDog wrote:You might want to send Yoder a PM. He's pretty good about responding.

OK will do....thanks River

The article is too long for me to copy and paste just a few snippets NorthHawk, wouldn't do it justice. Sorry, I know I am being a tease on this, I just want to make sure it's OK to do as I have never done it before. It's a fascinating piece to read.

by **Hawktawk** » Fri Jan 08, 2021 2:41 pm

I worry that ET may have a TBI. His personality was always a bit quirky but he seemed to have a sense of humor and there was no sign of trouble with teammates or coaches. The last holdout really bothered me, I have a hard time with a guy making 10 million a year whining about his pay and not showing up. It's only gotten more sketchy since he left. It just seems like his mind is declining all the time.

by **c_hawkbob** » Fri Jan 08, 2021 3:33 pm

What's a TBI?

by **RiverDog** » Fri Jan 08, 2021 4:36 pm

c_hawkbob wrote:What's a TBI?

Traumatic Brain Injury, a.k.a. a concussion.

by **yoder** » Sat Jan 09, 2021 4:31 pm

Agent 86 wrote:Anyone subscribe to the Athletic? There was a great story yesterday written there about Earl and his departures from both Seattle and Baltimore. It had some really good insight on it. Highly recommend anyone who subscribes to check it out.

Not sure if I am allowed to copy and paste things like that here? Yoder?

Not a problem!

by **RiverDog** » Sat Jan 09, 2021 4:34 pm

Hey, Yoder! Great to see you again! I hope you are surviving the pandemic. Go, Hawks!

by **yoder** » Sun Jan 10, 2021 3:00 pm

RiverDog wrote:Hey, Yoder! Great to see you again! I hope you are surviving the pandemic. Go, Hawks!

Thanks River, hanging in there like the rest of us. Crazy times, though I see a light at the end of the tunnel (I think)!

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