Steve Smith speaks

[SOJA]

Well, Rocket Boy, think about it- we're gearing up towards mediocrity next year, with the possibility of a lockout the next year. If you're Steve Smith, do you want to hang around two or more years waiting for a team to rebuild? Cuz he ain't getting any younger.

Rocket Boy? What are you twelve?

A.) We are getting younger and cutting players who just took up cap space B.) If there is a lock-out he won't be playing anywhere "Rocket Boy" so it wouldn't matter if he was on the Colts

C.) The idea that Steve Smith was going to demand a trade was based on Zod's complete speculation- there is no evidence to back this up.

D.)Your argument was to trade Smith while we could value for him. Your value is two rookie wide-recievers who have proven absolutely nothing. I'm not saying Tate or Benn are going to be bad players. But I do know that Smith has been the most consistent thing on this team for many years past. He has at least three to four more dominant years in him, plus he has never played with a quaterback who has all-star potential. So no I will keep Smitty, try to get another wide-reciever to help him in the draft, and live in reality....Rocket boy

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

So in reading the original post I conclude that,

Smitty is human and wants to win just like the rest of us, even more so.

It's a business, Delhomme is in the past, everyone has to move on and focus on getting better for the upcoming season.

With regards to Moore, he needs to hear Smith has faith in him and is always pushing him to improve.

I can't say I would say anything different than 89.

[Zod]

Wasn't a theory. Was a bonafide rumor.

Basically heard it from an ex player. Would not hold up in court, but...

[thennek]

One thing Smith indirectly said was Jarrett or any other Panthers WR are not ready to be the #2 WR.

[SOJA]

Wasn't a theory. Was a bonafide rumor.

Basically heard it from an ex player. Would not hold up in court, but...

Still we all know how fiery and passionate Steve can be...that's a double edge sword. Sometimes if things aren't going awesome he might overreact. The point remains that trading him would be completely illogical

[CharlotteBeer.com]

Wasn't a theory. Was a bonafide rumor.

That's an oxymoron if I've ever heard one.

[beastson]

Wasn't a theory. Was a bonafide rumor.

Basically heard it from an ex player. Would not hold up in court, but...

*Sigh* I wonder who that might be smh

[cookinwithgas]

Never trust rumors from someone that's been hit in the head too many times

[KillerKat]

Wasn't a theory. Was a bonafide rumor.

Basically heard it from an ex player. Would not hold up in court, but...

Is it the same source that said we should go after Vick and that Moore didn't know the playbook and basically saying Moore isn't ready to be the starter for us?

[KatsAzz]

Roger Goodell and the Owners Association are attempting to lower the players cut of net NFL profits from 59% to 41% (not positive on the numbers but pretty close). Obviously the NFLPA isn't too happy with that. A lot of that number would come out of rookie salaries with a potential rookie salary cap (which I am all for), but the veterans' wallets would be getting a lot lighter too.

Add to that, Smitty is now the Panthers' player rep with the NFLPA, so his attitude makes sense.

[KatsAzz]

Sometimes in life you come to a point where you realize... You're one of the old guys.

Whether it be an office worker whos been at the company for so many years or a 5th year college student or when you become a father. When it hits you, it changes the way you perceive the world.

I think one of those moments hit Steve Smith last year when he turned 30 last year. It clicked that he is becoming one of the older players on the team and in the league, it clicked that he is a leader for the team, that the things he says or does make an impact with people he may not realize.

Steve is at the point where he knows the end of his playing career is sooner rather than later... and he is maturing and rising to meet the opportunities and responsibilities that come with being one of those older leaders.