Earl Thomas is a former NFL player who was a seven-time Pro Bowl safety and a Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks. He was also a core member of the legendary Legion of Boom defense that dominated the league in the early 2010s. However, his career and personal life took a downward spiral in recent years, as he was involved in a series of scandals, legal troubles, and controversies. One of the most shocking incidents was when he became the alleged victim of a $1.9 million identity theft scheme by his ex-wifeâs lover, who reportedly used his personal information to cash his NFL checks, steal from his bank account, and transfer his car titles.
In this article, we will explore what happened to Earl Thomas, how his identity was stolen, what consequences he faced, and whether he has a chance to reunite with the Seahawks and redeem his legacy.
Earl Thomasâs Fall From NFL Star to Alleged Victim
Earl Thomas was drafted by the Seahawks in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, after playing college football at Texas. He quickly established himself as one of the best safeties in the league, earning six Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors in his first seven seasons with the team. He was also a key contributor to the Seahawksâ defense that led the team to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one against the Denver Broncos in 2014. He was widely regarded as a leader, a playmaker, and a fierce competitor on the field.
However, his relationship with the Seahawks soured in 2018, when he held out for a contract extension and was unhappy with the teamâs direction. He suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 4, and infamously flipped off the Seahawksâ sideline as he was carted off the field. He became a free agent in 2019, and signed a four-year, $55 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. He played one season with the Ravens, making his seventh Pro Bowl, but was released in August 2020 after getting into a fight with teammate Chuck Clark. He has not played in the NFL since then.
His personal life also took a dramatic turn in 2020, when he was involved in a domestic violence incident with his then-wife, Nina Thomas. According to police reports, Nina Thomas held him at gunpoint after she allegedly caught him cheating with another woman and his brother, Seth, in a rented Airbnb. She was arrested and charged with burglary of a residence with intent to commit aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Earl Thomas and Nina Thomas filed for divorce later that year.
The Identity Theft Scheme and Consequences
In June 2021, Earl Thomas became the alleged victim of a $1.9 million identity theft scheme by his ex-wifeâs lover, Kevin J. Thompson, who was arrested by the Jefferson Parish Sheriffâs Office in New Orleans. According to authorities, Thompson used a forged driverâs license that had his own photo and Thomasâs information to open a bogus bank account and transfer auto titles, including one for a Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV, which he drove to the bank on the day he was arrested. He is accused of transferring the titles to âseveralâ vehicles, and then selling them. He also allegedly cashed Thomasâs NFL checks and stole from his bank account. He faces charges âincluding identity theft, forgery, money laundering, credit card fraud, computer fraud and bank fraud,â according to Nola.com.
The Sheriffâs Office said Thomasâs credit union in Texas detected suspicious activity at Jefferson Financial in June, notifying authorities that it was not Thomas who opened an account with the New Orleans bank. Thompson was arrested a second time when he attempted to retrieve the Rolls-Royce on June 16 in a different vehicle that had been reported stolen. He is free on $730,000 bond, and his attorney declined to comment on the case.
Legal Trouble and Current Status
Earl Thomas is also facing legal trouble in Austin, Texas, where he allegedly violated a court protective order by sending threatening messages to his ex-wife about her and her children. According to the Austin American-Statesman, Thomas texted his ex-wife that he had two handguns in his possession, and that he hoped she and the kids would drive off the road. He also reportedly said that he would let his mother and his cousins poison them. He was charged with a third-degree felony for violating the protective order two or more times within 12 months, and an arrest warrant was issued for him in April 2021.
Thomas was arrested in his hometown of Orange, Texas, on May 13, 2021, according to Orange County Sheriffâs Office records. He was booked into jail and released on a $15,000 bond. He has not commented publicly on the case.
As for his NFL career, Thomas has expressed his desire to return to the league, and said that he is in shape and his âtiming is on point.â He told ESPNâs Adam Schefter in March 2021 that he is ready to play again, and that he has been working on his mental health and personal issues. He said that he has received interest from several teams, but did not name them.
Possible Reunion with the Seahawks and Complicated Legacy
One of the teams that some fans and analysts have speculated about as a possible destination for Thomas is his former team, the Seahawks. The Seahawks have a history of bringing back former players at the end of their careers, such as Marshawn Lynch, Richard Sherman, and K.J. Wright. They also have a need for safety depth, as Jamal Adams is recovering from multiple surgeries, and Quandre Diggs is entering the final year of his contract. Thomas could provide veteran leadership, experience, and playmaking ability to the Seahawksâ secondary, if he is healthy and motivated.
However, there are many reasons why a reunion with the Seahawks is unlikely, if not impossible. First of all, Thomas burned bridges with the team and the fans when he held out, demanded a trade, and flipped off the sideline. He also had a heated altercation with teammate Frank Clark in 2018, when Clark reportedly called him out for being selfish and skipping practices. Second, Thomasâs off-field issues and legal troubles could make him a liability and a distraction for the team, especially in the locker room and the media. Third, Thomasâs age, injury history, and declining performance could make him a risky and expensive signing, as he would likely demand a high salary and a prominent role. Fourth, the Seahawks may prefer to develop their younger players, such as Marquise Blair, Ugo Amadi, and Ryan Neal, who have shown potential and versatility.
Therefore, a reunion with the Seahawks seems very improbable, and Thomas may have to look elsewhere for a chance to resume his NFL career. His legacy as a Seahawks player is complicated, as he was one of the best and most beloved players in franchise history, but also one of the most controversial and divisive ones. He helped the team achieve its greatest success, but also left on bad terms. He will always be remembered as a part of the Legion of Boom, but also as a source of drama and conflict.
Conclusion
Earl Thomas is a former NFL player who was a star safety and a Super Bowl champion with the Seahawks, but also a troubled and disgruntled player who had a bitter departure from the team. He was involved in a domestic violence incident with his ex-wife, who later allegedly conspired with her lover to steal his identity and $1.9 million from him. He was also arrested for violating a protective order and threatening his ex-wife and his children. He has expressed his interest in returning to the NFL, but his chances are slim, and a reunion with the Seahawks is unlikely. His legacy as a Seahawks player is complex, as he was both a hero and a villain for the team and the fans.
