Plenty of media and fans expressed misgivings about Earl Thomas returning punts, so they had to be happy when coach Pete Carroll took Thomas off those duties this week in the wake of a disastrous season opener.

Thomas fumbled the ball on one return and did not seem very instinctive about judging whether to call for fair catches. Carroll said he thought the return duties were distracting from Thomas’ duties as the team’s defensive quarterback at free safety, so he is putting Bryan Walters in as the returner.

Thomas responded to the move Thursday and ripped fans who didn’t want him returning punts.

“Fans can kind of sleep easier now,” he said. “They can stop sending their regards in. They were a little bit selfish in my perspective.”

He said fans who were concerned about injury don’t understand.

“You know, it’s just like me saying in your job, I don’t want you to get a promotion because you are too good at what you do,” he said. “People don’t understand you, so they don’t know what you are capable of. They just are so used to seeing you in a certain role they don’t want you to expand. That’s just my mind frame.”

Thomas said wasn’t distracted, but he understands Carroll is doing what he thinks is best for the team, and he is waiting for his next chance.

“It doesn’t always happen like you want it to,” Thomas said. “But I know I’m still up as far as situationally and I’ll always be prepared. I know I’m going to impact this team as far as punt return in a positive way. I have full faith in my capability and I’m not worrying about anything.”

Thomas said he did not resist the move or try to talk Carroll out of it.

“I didn’t try to convince him,” Thomas said. “He’s the boss. I’m not about to argue with him. I’m just here to do my job.

“But one thing I can say: I know I could be one of the best returners in the league, no matter what people say. But I know my opportunity is going to come again. It’s going to be in a big moment, one of those games where I’m feeling good on defense and he’s going to put me back there and I’m going to make some plays.  That’s what I’m banking on.”