"Steve Smith has this message for Saints safety Roman Harper: No apology is necessary.

Harper said he does not plan to apologize to Smith for his late hit in last week's game that drew a $15,000 fine, according to ESPN. Harper blindsided Smith in the end zone after Smith's 54-yard touchdown catch in the first half.

Harper told reporters he thought Smith was showboating when he slowed up short of the goal line.

Smith claimed he was decelerating, and was unmoved by Harper's comments that there would not be an apology forthcoming.

"You best believe I'm not looking for an apology. I'm not looking for one, don't think I deserve one," Smith said Thursday.

"But if going up and catching a ball and scoring is disrespectful, I have no control over that. The object of the game when Cam (Newton) threw the ball was for me to catch it and do the best I can with it, and that's what I did. If he wasn't a fan of it, I understand. Some people like blue cheese, some people like ranch. I'm more of a ranch guy. He's obviously more of a blue cheese guy."

Harper's hit led to a scuffle involving a lot of pushing and shoving. At least one Panthers' player left the sideline to join the fray."