I don't blame Steve Smith...

[bleys]

Now that is a well thought out response, and I'm not being sarcastic.

Certainly, I disagree with quite a few things you've said here, especially the idea that provocation justifies teammates resorting to fisticuffs. I also call into to question your point of Smitty's motivational tactics. Finally, on the issue of his giving back to the community through charities and working with young folks, this *could* be pointed to as a PR move...

...But admittedly, I don't know Steve Smith, so I'm in no position to make that call.

I'd like to point out, though, that I never called Steve Smith a "cancer" in the locker room and never would. I've heard other people say that and it drives me nuts. It's an overstatement at best and said out of thoughtless anger or prejudice at worst.

I strongly disagree with the notion that being great at what you do automatically makes you misunderstood or that being a Prima donna is somehow excusable when one is talented. There are plenty of players playing presently and historically that are having/have had a much greater effect on the game than Smitty and have avoided such pitfalls.

Finally, I just want this new era (consisting of a new coaching staff and personnel) to start off on a foot that fosters positivity and cohesion in even the toughest of times. I speculate that our Panthers will be lucky to so much as get a whiff of 8-8 this season as they rebuild towards the future. And while a focus on the here and now is important, I also want to see guys working together in a manner that's conducive to learning. Unfortunately (and I mean that, because I wish it were different), I'm not sure Mr. Smith wants to be a part of that kind of system.

Either way, know that I don't discount anything you've said. I just see it in a different way. I hope you can respect my thoughts as well.

I'll try to respond to this as much as my attention allows, seems I've come down with something..

CALLED WINNING! (I kid, I really meant a 24hour bug)

As an athlete who is expected to go hard and fueled by testosterone, there are going to be fights, especially when people are hitting that one button you've had for years.. I can't remember exactly what Lucas was saying on the practice field, but I keep wanting to say it was about his height or his skill..

all I'm saying is... how could anyone be shocked that a fight would occur on a football field? also, with all this testosterone on the field, you would have to be surprised if you are acting like Smitty should never throw a fist.. I don't see how that's rational after the atmosphere I just stated..

Smitty could be pulling a PR move with his charity work, etc.. however, I'm not so lame to assume that about every little thing an athlete does is a PR move.. Mike Vick coming back to football after jail I thought was all PR. Now he shows up on ESPN quite regularly and I've moved passed that assumption.

some people can be anal and never change their mind, that's fine.. but I don't respect those who can't come up with different conclusions than ones filled with hate. I read in your last message you're not hating on him. disregard yourself here, but that is where I was coming from at first.

so about Smitty.. My opinion is he's a great dude who has failed to control 1 aspect in his life: his temper. That thing that when provoked has lead him to be great. (provoked by coaches saying he's too short, he'll only be a punt returner. teammates on the practice field or film room pushing that button.. etc)

because for those TWO instances, I've seen A LOT more that leads me to believe Smitty is a great teammate and only wants the best for his team.

I'm not blinded by 2 little incidents that happen all over the world every day.. especially when considering the atmosphere these guys play.

this is just summing up the guy's character.. should he be respected or looked down upon? well, I don't see many reasons to look down on Smitty..

had he been flawed? fug yeah... but I'll take his prima donna ways over 98% any day.

as for trading him, it's a good idea. he wants to win, he's getting old, and his value will only drop every year we keep him. it's a win, win.

[YourManInAmsterdam]

I'll try to respond to this as much as my attention allows, seems I've come down with something..

CALLED WINNING! (I kid, I really meant a 24hour bug)

As an athlete who is expected to go hard and fueled by testosterone, there are going to be fights, especially when people are hitting that one button you've had for years.. I can't remember exactly what Lucas was saying on the practice field, but I keep wanting to say it was about his height or his skill..

all I'm saying is... how could anyone be shocked that a fight would occur on a football field? also, with all this testosterone on the field, you would have to be surprised if you are acting like Smitty should never throw a fist.. I don't see how that's rational after the atmosphere I just stated..

Smitty could be pulling a PR move with his charity work, etc.. however, I'm not so lame to assume that about every little thing an athlete does is a PR move.. Mike Vick coming back to football after jail I thought was all PR. Now he shows up on ESPN quite regularly and I've moved passed that assumption.

some people can be anal and never change their mind, that's fine.. but I don't respect those who can't come up with different conclusions than ones filled with hate. I read in your last message you're not hating on him. disregard yourself here, but that is where I was coming from at first.

so about Smitty.. My opinion is he's a great dude who has failed to control 1 aspect in his life: his temper. That thing that when provoked has lead him to be great. (provoked by coaches saying he's too short, he'll only be a punt returner. teammates on the practice field or film room pushing that button.. etc)

because for those TWO instances, I've seen A LOT more that leads me to believe Smitty is a great teammate and only wants the best for his team.

I'm not blinded by 2 little incidents that happen all over the world every day.. especially when considering the atmosphere these guys play.

this is just summing up the guy's character.. should he be respected or looked down upon? well, I don't see many reasons to look down on Smitty..

had he been flawed? fug yeah... but I'll take his prima donna ways over 98% any day.

as for trading him, it's a good idea. he wants to win, he's getting old, and he his value will only drop every year we keep him. it's a win, win.

Fair play on all points, bleys. We disagree on some stuff and that's okay.

The only thing I didn't follow was when you said:

I read in your last message you're not hating on him. disregard yourself here, but that is where I was coming from at first.

Disregard myself? Not being a smartass. I actually don't understand what you were saying here.

Anyway, hope you feel better soon.

[bleys]

Fair play on all points, bleys. We disagree on some stuff and that's okay.

The only thing I didn't follow was when you said:

Disregard myself? Not being a smartass. I actually don't understand what you were saying here.

Anyway, hope you feel better soon.

I could have worded that better.. I'm basically calling out anyone who really thinks Smitty is a pooty human being and a cancer for the team. since you said you were not among those, this would not apply to you.

some of you people can hate on him all you want, but you're obviously ignoring what he actually does for the team and getting your panties in a wad over competitive spirit.

[PantherPhann]

Does drafting Cam help or hurt where Smith is concerned? or will Smith make his decision after we sign a vet QB? Either way I hope he stays!