"Steve Smith showed up Friday for the Carolina Panthers' training camp. This was not a surprise - Smith had declared already to Panthers officials this week that he wants to stay in Charlotte, scotching all of the trade rumors that had surrounded him for months.

What he said? Now that was something of a surprise.

Smith has a reflective side, but it can be overshadowed by both the exhilarating plays he makes and the temper tantrums he has occasionally thrown for 10 years in a Panthers jersey.

But the reflective side was on full display Friday, as Smith said he wanted Panthers fans to view him in a new way as he saddles up for the final years of his career.

"You have to admit that pretty much that I made an ass out of myself for a long time here by letting my emotions get the best of me," Smith said.

And: "Last year was frustrating for everyone. And at times - I'd say 95 percent of the time - I didn't handle it very well."

And: "At times, my emotions make me seem ignorant or make me seem immature."

Now that's all pretty good self-analysis by Smith. It doesn't mean he's never going to mess up again. I have heard him say somewhat similar things before after he's gotten in trouble."