Thomas injury the brutal side of business

One of Earl Thomas’ foremost fears came to fruition.

The Seahawks safety had worried about playing this year without financial security beyond this season, at the end of which his contract was set to expire. A serious injury could be a significant blow to his earning potential.

And there he found himself Sunday, riding on the back of the medical cart, his left leg broken and in an air cast. As he exited, he raised a middle finger at the sideline of his own team, whose decision-makers declined to give him an extension or trade as he requested.

His season is over. In all likelihood, so too is his time with the franchise for which he starred as a member of “The Legion of Boom,” helping the organization reach back-to-back Super Bowls and a title in the 2013 season.

Thomas won’t get an extension or trade. He’ll spend the remainder of the year recovering and then head to free agency with uncertainty. The Seahawks, however, will likely turn the page on the Thomas chapter, so long as they don’t use the franchise tag, and continue their rebuild.

Football is a brutal game. But it’s even more brutal in its business.

Thomas’ situation will serve as a cautionary tale, another painful reminder for NFL players that they’re simply replaceable cogs in the wheel. For all of the sermons players receive from coaches about the need to sacrifice for the greater good of the team, the organization will always act according to its own