During the first quarter of the New Orleans Saints 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers, Derek Carr threw a high pass across the middle of the field to wide receiver Chris Olave. While attempting to catch the ball, Olave was brutally hit by two Carolina defenders.
He was carted off the field and ruled out with a concussion, and even took a trip to a local hospital. Fortunately, everything checked out for Olave and he was able to return to the stadium and fly home with the team.
However, from the moment he hit the ground, his former teammate Michael Thomas went on a tirade against Derek Carr. In multiple tweets, Thomas criticized Carr’s ability to play quarterback, and essentially faulted him for Olave’s injury, accusing him of throwing a hospital ball. Chris Olave’s brother even supported what Thomas had to say.
Following the game, Derek Carr was asked about his reaction to Thomas’ comments, and he gave a very honest response. The veteran quarterback expressed that he has love for Michael Thomas, but doesn’t really care for how he called him out. He went on to say that out of all the teammates he had throughout his career, Thomas is the only player he hasn’t gotten along with.
Derek Carr (on Michael Thomas' comments): "I have love for Mike...and when he does that, I don't really care for that. I've had so many teammates over the years and he's the one dude I haven't got along with."
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) November 3, 2024
Carr said he hasn't called him, wishes him the best.
Derek Carr says Michael Thomas is the only teammate he didn’t get along with
As for Thomas blaming Carr for Olave’s injury, the veteran quarterback said that doesn’t change his day, as he feels sick to his stomach any time an injury like that happens anyway.
Derek Carr’s response to the criticism from Mike Thomas during today’s game. #Saints pic.twitter.com/7hGzaD2uSc
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) November 3, 2024
Thomas and Carr only spent one season together, last year, and it was clear they weren’t the closest of teammates. Thomas made it especially clear on his way out the door, when he went on a similar tirade against the organization. The veteran receiver blamed Carr for a bad pass that resulted in Thomas getting hurt.
What happened on Sunday took Thomas back, and he could no longer ignore what he feels is a mistake by the organization. While New Orleans probably won’t be benching Carr soon, it is clear Thomas won’t be returning to the organization any time soon either.