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Falcons waive former UNLV star Thomas

Steve Guiremand

Tuesday, July 22, 2003 | 9:34 a.m.

Like a linebacker coming off a blindside blitz, Jason Thomas didn't see this one coming.

A former UNLV quarterback, Thomas was claimed by the Atlanta Falcons as a tight end prospect last month after asking for and being granted his release by the New York Jets. Monday afternoon he was waived by the Falcons.

"I didn't see this at all," a dejected Thomas said. "I thought I was doing well in passing camp here. ... They told me it was a numbers thing."

The Falcons waived Thomas after signing their fourth-round draft pick, fullback Justin Griffith of Mississippi State.

"I'm still here in Atlanta trying to figure a way to get home," Thomas said on Monday night. "I've just got to pick up the pieces, go home and wait by the phone and hope someone picks me up off waivers."

If not, Thomas, regarded as one of the top athletes to come out of California in the past decade, could find himself on the sidelines for what was to be his rookie season in the NFL.

"There's a chance now that I won't be playing next season," Thomas said. "If not, I'll just have to keep working out hard and put my UNLV degree to use and get a job. I have a family I need to support."

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