Ravens Reportedly Investigating Whether They Can Void Earl Thomas' Contract After Domestic Incident
By Jerry Trotta
Baltimore Ravens safety Earl Thomas made headlines for the wrong reasons earlier this week when TMZ reported that he was held at gunpoint by his wife, Nina, after she found out via Snapchat that he was having an affair.
This is clearly a terrible look for Thomas, but there's no evidence that the seven-time Pro Bowler has committed any crime. Putting all the disturbing details aside, the one thing he did do wrong here was jeopardize his marriage.
However, the incident could still present problems for Thomas' football career. Per the lastest reports, the Ravens are exploring whether the 31-year-old vet violated his contract.
The Ravens reportedly are exploring whether the incident involving S Earl Thomas and his wife resulted in a violation of his contract, which potentially could void his $10M guaranteed salary for 2020 https://t.co/DoHeGb4mYm
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 7, 2020
Specifically, Baltimore is investigating whether Thomas performed actions that would permit the franchise to void the $10 million fully guaranteed portion of his salary for the 2020 season. Should the Ravens find such cause, they would be permitted to cut the former No. 14 overall pick without having to swallow any dead money.
This inquiry would have to be timely, however. If Baltimore released Thomas after June 1, it would be dealt cap charges of $5 million and $10 million over the next two seasons.
“The safety is off. If you come any closer, I’ll shoot you.”
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) May 7, 2020
Charging documents describe a tense altercation between Earl Thomas and his wife, Nina, last month. After pointing a loaded gun at his head, she chased after him with a knife.
With @janders5: https://t.co/0ttjKW2TOJ
In 2019, his first year with the team, Thomas logged 49 tackles, two interceptions, four pass deflections and six quarterback hits across 15 games.
The Ravens are definitely reaching here, but if Thomas failed to alert the team of the incident within a reasonable timeframe after it transpired, well, they could have something.