Details emerge about Michael Thomas’ fight with Saints teammate
By John Buhler
We know have a better understanding why Michael Thomas is being benched in Week 5.
Michael Thomas has been benched for punching a New Orleans Saints teammate in practice.
Though we’ve known that for at least a little while on NFL Sunday in Week 5, Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reports the teammate Thomas punched in practice was Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. The decision to keep their No. 1 wide receiver on the sidelines has everything to do with a disciplinary measure. It’s an awful look for Thomas for a Saints team needing a big Week 5 win.
#Saints star WR Michael Thomas punched teammate Chauncey Gardner-Johnson during a fight in practice, per sources. That’s why Thomas was ruled out for Monday’s game against the #Chargers for what the club is calling team discipline.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 11, 2020
Did the Saints make the right call by benching Michael Thomas for fighting?
We have to respect the Saints for handling this matter internally. This has been the most well-run organization in the NFC South for well over a decade. They have won the division three years in a row, but are facing tough competition from two of their division rivals in the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season, while the Atlanta Falcons are firing their head coach.
Next. Falcons are finally planning to fire Dan Quinn. dark
Even though the Saints should beat the visiting Los Angeles Chargers in primetime on Monday night, not having Thomas as part of the equation will hurt New Orleans’ overall offensive viability. The Chargers aren’t a good team, but they are a competitive one, playing hard for head coach Anthony Lynn with rookie Justin Herbert now firmly the team’s starting quarterback.
The Saints made the right call in terms of culture, but let’s hope it doesn’t cost them in Week 5.