I don’t want to say there are absolutely no circumstances under which it’s OK to punch someone – I can think of some – but I do want to say that you should almost always avoid punching your own teammates.
New Orleans Saints star wide receiver Michael Thomas is learning that lesson:
Saints’ WR Michael Thomas had an altercation with a teammate at practice this weekend, per league sources. Saints now disciplining Thomas by sitting him Monday night, when he was being listed as questionable with an ankle injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2020
#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
The reason for the punch or the subject of the beef is, as of yet, unknown.
To be sure, Thomas was already questionable for tomorrow night (ankle), but the team is making sure to emphasize, publicly, that his absence tomorrow is gonna be a matter of discipline.
The Saints have started the season at just 2-2, and we’re a long way off from January, but you never know if they might not wind up in the Wild Card race (and maybe the Bears will be, too). So if the absence of Thomas could lead to the Chargers stealing a win from the Saints, well, I’d be fine with that. Punch away!