The Ravens didn't waste much time in releasing Earl Thomas after he got into a fight with Chuck Clark at practice Friday.
Training camp skirmishes aren't uncommon, so it's easy for one to wonder if there were more instances that led to the seven-time Pro-Bowler's release. Especially when you consider Baltimore cutting him for "conduct that has adversely affected" the team.
According to NBC Sports' Peter King, Thomas' relationship with his teammates played a part.
"[Thomas] was not well-liked by his teammates," King wrote in his Football Morning in America column. "He had a pattern of being late, and in a recent practice, he made multiple assignment errors, causing defensive teammates to confront him about his preparedness. He missed at least one walk-through with no valid excuse. When the incident at Friday's practice happened, very few if any teammates came to his defense. Teammates backed Clark, the significantly lesser name."
RELATED: COWBOYS EXPECTED TO BE VERY INTERESTED IN THOMAS
Thomas' lone year in Baltimore was a successful one even though it ended in playoff disappointment. The Ravens went 14-2, and sported one of the best secondaries in the NFL, Thomas made the Pro Bowl and the defense seemed primed for another good year after adding Calais Campbell and Patrick Queen.
However, after multiple incidents on and off the field, it appears Eric DeCosta and company thought it best to cut ties with the future Hall of Famer. Given the team's language in their decision to release Thomas, they'll be able to fight for some of his guaranteed money ($15 million in 2020, $10 million in 2021) during the grievance process.
The Ravens will now look to DeShon Elliott to replace Thomas and Clark to step up as the team's best safety.
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MORE RAVENS NEWS:
- Lamar's Groin: Reason he missed practice
- Earl Thomas: Sent home after fight during practice
- #TeamOakley: Lamar joins Mahomes
Peter King: Earl Thomas wasn't well-liked by Ravens teammates originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
