Michael Thomas hasn't found a home yet for the 2024 NFL season. Even if he had, he wouldn't be able to take part in the Week 1 festivities.
Thomas was handed a one-game ban, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The free agent wideout won't be permitted to show off his skills during the league's slate of games from Sept. 5-9.
Thomas is far removed from the peak of his powers. He hasn't played more than 10 games since 2019, the season when he recorded 149 catches for 1.725 yards and nine touchdowns en route to AP Offensive Player of the Year honors. The two-time All-Pro talent is only 31. But it's unclear whether a team will take a chance on him, especially given his injury concerns.
Friday's announcement will do little to help his case.
MORE: Rams, Chargers among teams that could vie for Michael Thomas in free agency
The Sporting News fills you in on Thomas' one-game suspension, as well as the incident that sparked the league's punishment towards the Ohio State product.
Why was Michael Thomas suspended?
Thomas was suspended one game for violating the NFL's "personal conduct" policy. The suspension stems from his arrest in November 2023.
Officially, it’s a personal conduct policy violation. It stems from his arrest in November of 2023.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2024
Original article on his situation https://t.co/vn0CXpYN8z https://t.co/FFjttmWhHh
The 31-year old is currently unattached, going unsigned during the 2024 offseason.
Michael Thomas arrest
Thomas was arrested on Nov. 10, 2023 in Kenner, Louisiana, and charged with simple battery and criminal mischief.
The charges related to an incident between Thomas and a construction worker who was working on a house being built in the same neighborhood as Thomas.
Thomas was alleged to have threatened the worker before reportedly tossing a brick towards the windshield of the worker's truck after he pulled out his phone to record Thomas, according to the Kenner Police Department. He's also accused of shoving the worker and knocking his phone out of his hand.
Thomas was cooperative during the KPD's investigation and was released shortly after he was detained.
In March, NOLA.com's Michelle Hunter reported that Thomas entered a sixth-month pre-trial diversion program. Upon completion, Thomas' charges are expected to be dropped.