The controversy ignited when Chris Olave, a receiver for the Saints, suffered a concussion during a game against the Carolina Panthers. Michael Thomas attributed the injury to a risky throw by Derek Carr, which he believed left Olave vulnerable to the hit that led to his concussion. Thomas's frustration was evident in a series of harsh tweets where he criticized Carr's ability and leadership, suggesting that Carr's inadequacies were a recurring issue that had been previously masked by coaching changes and strategic plays.

In response to Thomas's accusations, Derek Carr expressed a mixture of disappointment and indifference. He acknowledged his love for his former teammate but was clearly upset about the public nature of the criticism. Carr emphasized that he never intended to harm Olave or any other player, describing the incident as an unfortunate part of the game. Despite the personal attacks, Carr wished Thomas well in his future endeavors, highlighting a desire to move past the incident without further animosity.

This public feud between Thomas and Carr sheds light on deeper issues within the Saints' organization, reflecting potential divisions within the locker room. As the team navigates a series of losses, the public disagreement could either galvanize the team to address underlying issues or further exacerbate the challenges they face. For Thomas, his future in the NFL remains uncertain as teams may be wary of potential locker room disruptions despite his proven talent on the field.