Head Coach Kellen Moore Shockingly Benches Saints’ Star WR Ahead of Sunday Clash with Dolphins

New Orleans
A bombshell decision rocked the Saints' fanbase Saturday morning as Head Coach Kellen Moore reportedly personally ordered the removal of a key player from the game day roster for Sunday’s crucial matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

Sources close to the team revealed that the move was not due to injury or tactical reasons but rather because of off-field behavior. The young head coach was said to be furious after discovering that one of his star wide receivers had shown up to practice under the influence on multiple occasions, allegedly due to alcohol consumption.

“I can’t let anyone tarnish the culture of discipline we’re building here. No matter how talented he is, the Saints need unity, not a rogue individual,” Moore reportedly told team staff during a closed door meeting this morning.

The player at the center of this shocking decision? Chris Olave, the dynamic receiver who wears number 12 for the New Orleans Saints. The news comes as a thunderbolt, especially considering Olave's importance to the Saints’ offense and their tight race for a playoff berth.

Who is Chris Olave?

Full name Christian Josiah Olave, born June 27, 2000, in California. He rose to stardom playing college football at Ohio State University and was selected 11th overall in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Saints. With blazing speed (4.39 seconds in the 40 yard dash) and elite hands, Olave quickly became the focal point of the Saints' passing attack.

As of the 2025 season, Olave has logged 69 receptions for 734 yards and 4 touchdowns. He has already surpassed 2,500 career receiving yards, an impressive feat by any measure. Recently, he’s been listed as “questionable” for Week 13 against the Dolphins due to a lingering back injury.

But now, the reason he’s sidelined goes beyond medical concerns. It’s about professional conduct, according to his coach.

“I once believed Olave could be the face of this franchise,” said an anonymous assistant coach. “But when you stop respecting your team, you take yourself out of the fight.”

Fanbase Reacts

On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the #WhoDatNation is torn. Some fans are defending Olave, urging for further clarification and investigation. Others are applauding Kellen Moore’s hardline stance as a necessary iron fist in the locker room.

If true, this decision could be a devastating blow to the Saints’ playoff hopes at the most critical stretch of the season.