Earl Thomas admits he punched a Ravens teammate in practice; claims he’s better than Ed Reed

In 2020, it was reported there was a fight during training camp between Earl Thomas III and Ravens teammate Chuck Clark that culminated in Thomas being suspended by the Ravens for conduct detrimental to the team. The fight, along with reportedly missing a team meeting to get his car washed and other issues, the team parted ways with their 2019 Pro Bowler. More than four years later, Thomas admits he punched a teammate on Josina Anderson's new show, The Exhibit .

"When I punched somebody in practice, that was definitely was a mistake," Thomas said.

Thomas wasn't apologetic about the incident. Rather, he made excuses for his punch.

"I mean, you see fights all the time in training camp," Thomas said. "You see fights all the time in training camp. They understand."

And with that optimistic understanding, Thomas believes the Ravens should still have his jersey in the rafters.

"I definitely want to see my jersey in the stands," Thomas said. "In the arena. I want to see a No. 29 jersey in Baltimore. Because they know I'm good."

Thomas also declared he's a better safety than Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu after being asked by Anderson what would happen if he didn't make the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a first-ballot.

"I would just know that I'm better than Ed Reed, I'm better than Troy Polamalu. That would just be that," Thomas said. "They got to know my game. I know a lot of Seattle fans that would agree. I know for sure that 2013 team, we don't win a Super Bowl without me. We don't go back without me, either."

So, to summarize, Earl Thomas believes he should have his jersey in the rafters for the Ravens after one season of play and being cut due to assaulting a teammate and skipping meetings. He believes he's better than Reed, who is known as the greatest safety in NFL history and that he has no apology for his actions that ultimately got him cut from the team due to conduct detrimental to the team.