Why did Michael Thomas get suspended? NFL bans WR for week 1 nine months after receiver's arrest

The NFL has suspended Michael Thomas for Week 1 due to the league's personal conduct policy violation. The free-agent wide receiver was arrested last year after he got into a physical altercation with a contractor in his neighborhood.

Thomas allegedly threw two bricks at the contractor's truck and also pushed him over. The former New Orleans Saints star reportedly threatened the contractor, who is named Luis Cifuentes.

At the time, Cifuentes, a project manager, was working at a house under construction in Thomas' neighborhood. Police arrested the 31-year-old wideout on misdemeanor charges of simple battery and mischief, but later released him.

The chances of Thomas getting a suspension from the NFL were high since the incident, and now it's official that he will not play in Week 1. It allows more time for the receiver to find a new team.

---

A look back at Michael Thomas' NFL career

New Orleans Saints v Minnesota Vikings - Source: Getty

The New Orleans Saints drafted Michael Thomas with the 47th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He had four straight 1,000+ receiving yards seasons to start his career, but injuries have been a hindrance since then.

Thomas has played only 20 games in the last four seasons, which is one of the biggest reasons why he is a free agent at the moment. A three-time Pro Bowler, Thomas finished last season with 39 receptions for 448 yards and a touchdown on 64 targets in 10 games for the Saints.

Now that his suspension is official, the former Ohio State star could sign with a team soon and play in Week 2. With Thomas gone, the Saints' wide receiver depth chart looks like this:

• WR1: Chris Olave
• WR2: Rashid Shaheed
• WR3: AT Perry
• WR4: Cedrick Wilson Jr.

As per Spotrac, Michael Thomas has accumulated a total of $72.5 million in career earnings. He had signed a five-year $96.25 million contract extension with the Saints in 2019, and based on how he started his career, he fully deserved it.

Unfortunately, due to the injuries, Thomas was unable to justify his worth, and is expected to sign only a one-year prove-it type of deal this year.