Former Seahawks, Ravens safety Earl Thomas arrested in Texas

Seven-time Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas was arrested for alleged violations of a court protective order. A warrant for his arrest was issued in April, more than two weeks before he was taken into custody Friday.

Thomas, 33, faces a felony for at least two violations of a May 2021 protective order. According to the Austin American-Statesman, Thomas is facing allegations of sending threatening text messages to a woman, including one that read, "Waiting on hand in foot is why I'll kick ur a--." Thomas' lawyer says his client was reaching out to his ex-wife to arrange visits with their children.

"They were consciously and collectively working together to see his kids," Trey Dolezal told the American-Statesman. "I don't really understand how he could be in violation by working together to visit with his children."

According to WFAA, Thomas was arrested after he was recognized at a restaurant in Orange, Texas, more than 250 miles from Austin, Texas, where the warrant was issued.

Thomas played nine seasons with the Seattle Seahawks before joining the Baltimore Ravens in 2019. He played only one season with latter and was released just prior to the 2020 campaign after punching a teammate in practice. In April, Thomas told ESPN's Adam Schefter that he's hoping to return to the NFL.