Panthers WR Thomas vows to keep focus on the football, not Hollywood

[The Saltman]

“It’s in the past. I’m just so happy to help this team. Everybody has a positive attitude around here even though (the record) is 0-5.”

Thomas rarely saw action on offense this year for the Redskins after catching 40 passes in his first two seasons under former coach Jim Zorn.

He claims that’s because Shanahan got irritated with his off-field activities this past offseason.

After Washington’s win over Green Bay this past Sunday, Shanahan said Thomas is “going to have to commit to being a pro.”

Then he cut him.

“I’ll take that to heart, and now that I have a second chance, I’ll make sure I do everything professionally,” Thomas said.

Thomas said he’s promised general manager Marty Hurney the off-field things won’t be a distraction.

“I’m focusing on football,” Thomas said. “All that stuff can come later in life. I’m looking to just become a great receiver.”

There was also another incident earlier this year that hurt Thomas’ image.

Former teammate Brandon Banks snapped a picture of Thomas sleeping during what appears to be a team meeting and then posted it on Twitter. Thomas argues that the photo was taken in-between meetings and he just closed to eyes to rest for a few minutes to get some rest.

Thomas said Banks was ordered to apologize to him and the organization.

“I tried to close my eyes for a second and I didn’t know my fellow receiver would take a picture like that which is a no-no,” Thomas said. “You never have a phone in the meeting and then he put it on Twitter. He was reprimanded for it. He had to apologize to the team and for me. That’s how it was. Once it leaked out the media ran with it.”

When asked if felt Banks, a rookie, was trying to torpedo him, Thomas said, “I hope not. I hung out with the guy, and he seemed like a quality guy. I hope that wasn’t the case to lowball me just to move up.”

http://www.carolinagrowl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=666:panthers-wr-thomas-vows-to-keep-focus-on-the-football-not-hollywood&catid=1:articles

[CLTPanther]

I think this was on CO yesterday. Guess you're rippin them off since they rip our threads off and make them "articles"?

[The Saltman]

shut it

[rayzor]

When asked if felt Banks, a rookie, was trying to torpedo him, Thomas said, “I hope not. I hung out with the guy, and he seemed like a quality guy. I hope that wasn’t the case to lowball me just to move up.”

i wouldn't be surprised if this was the case. smart but douchey move if banks actually did that.

[Mr. Scot]

New start did a lot of good for a guy named Cris Carter.

Not about to predict that sort of thing for Thomas, but I'll be optimistic till there's a reason not to be.