Former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas stirred up controversy with critical social media comments directed toward quarterback Derek Carr following the Saints’ defeat to the Carolina Panthers. Carr responded to the situation after the game, expressing his feelings about Thomas’s remarks.
“I have love for Mike. But when he does that, I don’t really care for it, obviously,” Carr stated. He noted that out of all his teammates over the years, Thomas is the one with whom he has not had a good relationship. Carr expressed confusion over the tension, stating he wished Thomas would have reached out directly rather than airing grievances online. “I’m sorry for whatever he’s dealing with that makes him feel like he has to do that,” Carr added, wishing him well in his future endeavors as a free agent.
During the game, Saints receiver Chris Olave sustained a concussion after a hard hit while attempting to catch a pass from Carr, which led to additional criticism from Thomas regarding the play. Despite the fallout, Carr defended the execution of the play, noting it followed the strategy put in place before the game. He expressed empathy for Olave’s situation while maintaining that he did not intend for the play to lead to injury.
So far this season, Olave has been a standout for the Saints, leading the team with 400 receiving yards and a touchdown, and his absence will be felt as the team seeks new sources of offensive production.
In light of the situation, it’s essential to remember that tensions can arise in sports, often stemming from deep emotions surrounding performance and injury. While the criticisms may seem harsh, they do open doors for discussions about communication and support among team members. Looking ahead, the Saints have an opportunity to rally together and adjust without Olave, possibly leading to new talents stepping into key roles and a chance for growth within the team.