The New Orleans Saints beat the Carolina Panthers 20-17 on Monday night.
But the battle didn’t stop after the final whistle was blown.
In a video captured near a tunnel in Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown and Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas can be seen exchanging words before Brown charges after Thomas and is forcefully restrained. It remains unclear what led up to the fight, which occurred as Thomas was reportedly entering the stadium’s X-ray room.
You can see the skirmish below. Warning: it includes some inappropriate language.
Here is the video of Derrick Brown charging at Michael Thomas after the Saints-Panthers gamepic.twitter.com/0KtKgWSQmC
Credit: Jacob_ on YouTube – https://t.co/BMs0AjEaaB— Jono Barnes (@JonoBarnes) September 19, 2023
Taking to the social media platform known as X on Tuesday afternoon, Thomas appeared to address the matter.
“They tried to set me up,” the Ohio State product posted with a trio of crying laughing emojis, later adding: “They was playing good snoop dogg after I was just trying to do my dance.”
They tried to set me up 😂😂😂
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) September 19, 2023
They was playing good snoop dogg after I was just trying to do my dance 😂😂😂
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) September 19, 2023
As the video of the altercation went viral on social media on Tuesday afternoon, NFL fans and media members took to social media to weigh in.
Michael Thomas did a lot of talking … and then Derrick Brown pulled up and Thomas made a business decision 😬 https://t.co/wM1yW9u1ag
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) September 19, 2023
Yoooo Panthers Derrick Brown followed Michael Thomas into the locker room after the game last night 😳😳😳pic.twitter.com/ESgeVnN75q
— Berkay (@kayboluom) September 19, 2023
Derrick Brown would put Michael Thomas in a body bag 💀 https://t.co/wjQ8KGV78B
— William Luke Hendrick (@WilliamLH21) September 19, 2023
Lol Michael Thomas really made Derrick Brown mad. Saints are so back. https://t.co/4e33bHZPYX
— Charlie Parker (@cmparker999) September 19, 2023
Derrick Brown will put Michael Thomas in retirement after one weak punch. https://t.co/HnHdiOMJfH
— Sports_Card_Collector (@DB8119) September 19, 2023
Derrick Brown has had meals bigger than Michael Thomas 😭😭😭 https://t.co/8FjvwNxOqr
— Tyler 🥕🦌 (2-0) 🪖 (@HeinickeGOAT) September 19, 2023
As for the game itself, Thomas tallied seven receptions for 55 yards, while Brown recorded seven tackles, four of which were solo stops. With the Saints laying claim to a 2-0 record and the Panthers starting the 2023 campaign 0-2, the two teams will meet again in Week 16 on Dec. 10 in New Orleans.
