According to Steve Reed of CarolinaGrowl.com, Smith punched cornerback Ken Lucas during a sideline altercation at Friday morning’s practice, leaving Lucas with a large gash under his eye. Profootballtalk.com reports there are rumors that Lucas suffered a broken orbital bone in the attack, which could keep him out of action possibly into the regular season.
This isn’t the first time Smith has intentionally injured a teammate, either. Many of you probably remember an incident in 2002 when Smith attacked fellow receiver Anthony Bright during a film session and broke Bright’s nose. That first altercation resulted in a one-game suspension by the team, so it will be interesting to see how head coach John Fox handles this one. Smith has already been sent home from training camp for disciplinary reasons, but there has been no word as to whether or not he will miss any regular-season action as a result. (Editor's update: CarolinaGrowl.com reports that the Panthers have suspended Smith for two games.)
Also, with so much of a team’s success depending on health, I would imagine by this point someone on the Panthers coaching staff or someone in the front office has pointed out to Smith how counterproductive it is to the team’s goals for him to go around hurting players on his own team. It’s bad enough to lose guys to the normal rigors and contact that ensues during practice and games.
So, on the field. In team meetings. Heck, down at the local pub after a hot practice, Panthers players should be wearing their helmets anytime Smith is around. They can always drink their beer through a straw.
It’s much safer that way.
