Michael Thomas to Enter Pretrial Diversion Program
Former New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas will enter a pretrial diversion program instead of facing trial on two misdemeanor charges, according to the Kenner City attorney’s office.
Thomas’ attorney, Daniel “Becket” Becnel, said the charges of simple battery and criminal mischief had been dismissed following a hearing Wednesday, but a spokesperson for the city attorney’s office said that was not the case. Instead, Thomas must satisfy the requirements of the six-month pretrial diversion program for the case to be closed.
The charges stem from an incident in front of Thomas’ residence in Kenner, Louisiana, on Nov. 10, 2023. Thomas was involved in a verbal altercation with a local contractor regarding parking issues in the neighborhood. The contractor accused Thomas of pushing him and throwing a brick at his car windshield.
Despite being taken into custody that night, Thomas was released a few hours later. However, he sustained a knee injury during a game against the Minnesota Vikings the following day and was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.
According to Becnel, “There was no assault, there was no brick thrown. … This was a dispute between a contractor and his employees, who were blocking his driveway and who were parking and walking on his grass.”
The Saints released Thomas at the beginning of free agency after he played in 10 games in 2023. The 2019 NFL Offensive Player of the Year and holder of the single-season receptions record, Thomas has been plagued by ankle, toe, and knee injuries, limiting his playtime in recent years.
Despite his setbacks, Thomas, 31, remains optimistic about his future in the NFL and is eager to move past this incident.
Summary:
Michael Thomas, former New Orleans Saints receiver, will participate in a pretrial diversion program to resolve misdemeanor charges related to a dispute with a local contractor. Despite the legal troubles and recent injuries, Thomas is focused on advancing his NFL career and personal life.
