According to a YT video on the case, Thomas only decided to quit the team AFTER he was removed from his starting position. Any student would take that as a personal insult and makes it quite clear why he quit. Perhaps his parents were expected to "buy" his position on the team through check writing or aggressive fund raising for the team and chose not to out of a belief in meritocracy? At my daughter's high school, this is "expected" of the parents of every girl on the cheer squad and drill team. One year, the football team even stole the band's fundraising money; the principal and coach were both fired when it was found out. This year, some of the drill team girls and 3 of the officers quit in protest over the direction the team was going, so Thomas's reaction is normal IMO. I can't say I totally believe his disappearance is school related though.