New Orleans Saints wide receiver, Michael Thomas, found himself in legal trouble as he was arrested on Friday evening in Kenner, Louisiana. The Kenner Police Department confirmed the arrest, revealing that Thomas faces charges of simple battery and criminal mischief, both categorized as misdemeanors.
The incident leading to Thomas’ arrest unfolded around 7 p.m. ET when he engaged in a confrontation with a construction worker at a house under construction in his neighborhood, as detailed by Kenner police Lt. Mark McCormick. According to McCormick, the construction worker reported that Thomas began yelling at him regarding parking in front of his residence. The situation escalated when Thomas, reportedly angered by the worker recording the confrontation, picked up a brick and threw it at the truck’s windshield. While causing minimal damage, Thomas then approached the worker, knocked the phone from his hands, shoved him, and expressed his objection to being recorded.
Despite the tense encounter, Thomas, who is 30 years old, cooperated with the police investigation and was arrested without incident. His release occurred at approximately 10 p.m. ET the same evening.
The New Orleans Saints responded to Thomas’ arrest with a statement to NFL.com, stating, “We are aware of the incident and are gathering information.” The team, like the public, is awaiting further details on the situation.
Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Thomas has had a notable career, amassing 564 receptions for 6,560 yards and 36 touchdowns. Despite being a key player, injuries limited his appearances in the past three seasons. However, the current season has seen him participate in all nine of the Saints’ games, showcasing his resilience. In 2023, Thomas has accumulated 439 receiving yards and one touchdown on 38 receptions.
The incident adds a layer of complexity to Thomas’ otherwise illustrious career, and as more information emerges, both the legal and professional implications will become clearer. For now, the New Orleans Saints and the NFL community await updates on the situation involving their star wide receiver.