Steve Smith News: Pro Sports Daily

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October 27

Charlotte Observer

"A week fraught with difficulty and sadness finally ended for Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith on Sunday. Smith played in the Carolina Panthers' 20-9 loss against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium with the memory of his late junior college coach weighing on his mind. Robert Taylor, Smith's junior college coach at Santa Monica (Calif.) College, passed away Thursday. "I had a rough week," Smith said as tears welled in his eyes. "I lost a father figure in my life. I think the rest of the year is going to be really difficult. He's a guy who invested a lot of quality love into this game." Taylor, one of the football coaching community's most respected figures, also coached ..."

A tough end to Smith's rough week

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October 26

Charlotte Observer

"A week fraught with difficulty and sadness finally ended for Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith on Sunday. Smith played in the Carolina Panthers' 20-9 loss against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium with the memory of his late junior college coach weighing on his mind. Robert Taylor, Smith's junior college coach at Santa Monica (Calif.) College, passed away Thursday. "I had a rough week," Smith said as tears welled in his eyes. "I lost a father figure in my life. I think the rest of the year is going to be really difficult. He's a guy who invested a lot of quality love into this game." Taylor, one of the football coaching community's most respected figures, also coached ..."

'I want to be involved in a win,' Smith says

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October 22

Charlotte Observer

"Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith said Wednesday he stands by the comments he made after Sunday's victory at Tampa Bay. He also said he's ready to move on to a different discussion. Smith, after catching one pass for 4 yards against the Bucs, said he was "no longer an asset" to the Panthers. "Am I going to go back and apologize for what I said? No," Smith said Wednesday. "I want to win, and I want to be involved in a win. And if a person feels like he's uninvolved, it should be taken in the manner in which it has been said. "That's how I felt at the moment. I don't think I was disrespectful. I don't think I singled out any one particular person. That's how it was received by the ..."

Smith left out by run-based offense

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October 19

Charlotte Observer

"The Carolina Panthers got back to what they're supposed to do best Sunday in their 28-21 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. They're again running the ball effectively. But is that coming at the expense of Steve Smith, the Panthers' Pro Bowl receiver? "I'm no longer an asset to this team," Smith said in a brief interview. "That's all there is to say." Smith had one reception for 4yards against the Bucs, a team he has six 100-plus yard games against. It came in the fourth quarter, the only pass in the Panthers' 16-play, game-winning drive. It was such a short, possession-oriented pass from Jake Delhomme to Smith, that Bucs coach Raheem Morris characterized it ..."

The height of animosity for Smith, Hall

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October 9

Washington Times

"Between them, DeAngelo Hall and Steve Smith have four Pro Bowl selections, four head-to-head matchups and some serious bad blood. Hall, the Washington Redskins' No. 1 cornerback, and Smith, the Carolina Panthers' No. 1 receiver, will renew a relationship Sunday that's more than mere acquaintance. The 5-foot-9 Smith and the 5-10 Hall are both undersized for the NFL, helping fuel passions that sometimes boil over - as they did Sept. 23, 2007, at the Georgia Dome. Hall, then with the Atlanta Falcons, was penalized 37 yards for interfering with Smith on a bomb, 15 for holding him on the next play and 15 more for taunting him three plays later to set up a game-tying touchdown in the third ..."

Panthers passing attacked

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October 8

Charlotte Observer

"Among the more important things on the Carolina Panthers to-do list as they seek to rebound from a 0-3 start is to get wide receivers Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad more involved in the offense. That's been difficult since quarterback Jake Delhomme, the running game and the offensive line all have struggled, too. But the relative lack of impact from Smith and Muhammad runs contrary to what the Panthers expect from their veteran receivers, particularly Smith. Consider the following: •Neither Smith nor Muhammad has a reception of 30 yards or more, something they accomplished in 11 and six games, respectively, last season. •Neither has a touchdown catch. The only other times Smith has been ..."

Will the real Steve Smith stand up?

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October 6

Charlotte Observer

"•Well, at least we know there's nothing wrong with Steve Smith. He's leading the NFL with 102.8 receiving yards per game. Oh, wait - that's the wrong Steve Smith! It turns out the New York Giants' version is No.1 on that NFL list, while the Panthers' Smith was No.27 with 63.3 yards per game after the weekend's games. Carolina's Smith is still the better of the two, but the Giants' Smith has a supporting cast to die for. •If I were Butch Davis, I'd let T.J. Yates start at quarterback Saturday against Georgia Southern with hopes of regaining some confidence. But if the Tar Heels' offense still looks as terrible in the first half as it has for most of the past month, I'd bench Yates. It ..."

Real Steve Smith another tough task for Dallas Cowboys

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September 26

Dallas Morning News

"The Cowboys had all they could handle Sunday in trying to slow New York Giants third-year receiver Steve Smith. He finished with 10 catches for 134 yards and a touchdown. Monday night's task against Carolina: stop Steve Smith. Only this time, the Cowboys' shaky secondary must attempt to contain one of the NFL's best receivers, whom many pundits refer to as the real Steve Smith out of respect for the numbers he's posted in nine pro seasons: 520 catches for 7,500 yards and 43 touchdowns. "Steve Smith is a special receiver and certainly a Pro Bowl-type receiver," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said. "He makes plays that other guys don't make and he can also turn a short play into a long ..."

Smith is a possibility to return punts

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September 11

Charlotte Observer

"Carolina Panthers coach John Fox wouldn't say Thursday who will return punts in Sunday's season opener against Philadelphia, but said the candidates include two past returners who didn't get work there during the preseason - receiver Steve Smith and cornerback Chris Gamble. The punt returner spot has been troublesome in the preseason. Ryne Robinson, who filled the role in 2007, didn't look the same this summer after suffering a knee injury in the 2008 training camp and was released. Rookie cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and receiver Kenny Moore got looks during the preseason, but both had issues with dropping punts or fumbling. The Panthers wanted to sign Mark Jones, their '08 kickoff and ..."

Smith misses exhibition opener

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August 18

Charlotte Observer

"There was no way Steve Smith was going to play in the Carolina Panthers' preseason opener Monday against the New York Giants in Giants Stadium. He wasn't even there. Smith, the Panthers' Pro Bowl receiver who bruised his right shoulder in training camp Aug. 10, was one of six Carolina players who didn't travel to the Meadowlands. Others were safety Nate Salley (knee), running back Jonathan Stewart (Achilles), linebacker Thomas Davis (knee), linebacker Landon Johnson (groin) and guard C.J. Davis (ankle). Notes The new stadium where the Giants and Jets will play in 2010 is nearly finished. It's right across the parking lot from Giants Stadium and has an interesting, grid-like exterior. It's ..."

Smith feared broken shoulder

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August 12

Charlotte Observer

"Being sidelined a couple of weeks or even for the remainder of the preseason isn't something Steve Smith relishes. But it sure beats the alternative. When his shoulder hit the ground hard Monday night after his collision with cornerback Chris Gamble, Smith was deeply concerned. "I thought it was broken," he said. But x-rays showed no fracture and no structural damage. Smith's right arm was in a sling as he spoke to reporters just outside the Panthers' training camp cafeteria at Wofford. He smiled, joked and didn't appear to be in any obvious pain. He was evasive about the specifics of his injury, saying he left his medical degree at the University of Utah. "Believe it or not, I've still ..."

Smith hoping to return for opener

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August 11

ESPN.com

"Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith is hopeful he'll recover from his right shoulder injury in time to play in the regular-season opener. The four-time Pro Bowl pick spoke to reporters Tuesday wearing a sling, a day after he was hurt hitting the ground hard following a collision with cornerback Chris Gamble at practice. X-rays were negative, but Smith declined to say if he had a separated shoulder or if he'll undergo an MRI exam. He did not give a timetable for his return, but said he was optimistic he'd be ready for the season opener Sept. 13 against Philadelphia. Smith has a history of shoulder trouble dating to a 2007 game against Dallas. He was injured in a preseason contest ..."

Agent: Smith out minimum two weeks

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August 11

Charlotte Observer

"Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith's availability for the Carolina Panthers' preseason schedule is in question after he suffered a shoulder injury during a training camp practice Monday night at Wofford. The team announced that x-ray results on Smith's right shoulder were negative, revealing no structural damage. Team officials said they didn't know the full nature of the injury or how long he might be out. However, Smith's agent, Derrick Fox, said late Monday night that Smith likely would miss a minimum of two weeks with what appears to be a strained shoulder. If that timetable holds, Smith would miss the team's first two exhibitions, on the road against the New York Giants (Aug. ..."

As usual, even-quicker Steve Smith is good to go

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August 10

Charlotte Observer

columnist Tom Sorensen

"To break up the monotony, there's a training camp drill I like to attempt. I pretend I know nothing about the players. I pretend I don't know who starts or who stars and focus solely on the number on the uniform. Different players, some of whom are so obscure you've not heard of them or their school, have moments. But one player stands out at almost every practice, and he is No.89. You're thinking, great work, Sherlock. Since Steve Smith is Carolina's best player, he ought to dominate. But if you believe that, go to the camps of other teams and notice how often the best player fails to separate himself from his colleagues. Smith goes hard every time I see him on the practice field at ..."

Captain takes his confidence up a rank on first day

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August 4

Charlotte Observer

columnist Tom Sorensen

"Little guys who play a big-man's game often are the meanest players on the field. All their lives they've had to prove they belonged. And when their grandmama goes so far as to name them Captain, how do you think the big guys react? My, what a cute name you have. What is it you are captain of - the gymnastics team? How many times do you think a little man named Captain had to show the big fellows he was worthy of the title? So, let's watch Carolina rookie cornerback Captain Munnerlyn line up a few yards from Steve Smith on Monday at the first practice of training camp. Smith is 5-foot-9, 190 pounds; Captain 5-8, 186. At South Carolina the past three seasons, Captain jammed receivers at ..."

Steve Smith confident he can fill Plaxico Burress' shoes

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August 3

New York Daily News

"It was just a game between two friends with a little friendly wager. Steve Smith, then a USC wide receiver, playing teammate and tight end Dominique Byrd in a little game of Madden NFL. No big deal. Smith lost. He told Byrd he'd pay him later. Byrd wanted the money now. Words were exchanged. Things got heated. And Byrd, standing 6-3 and weighing 260 pounds, got a little too aggressive for Smith's taste. So Smith, the quiet, 195-pounder, dropped him with one punch. "I didn't want to fight him, but he just got upset and tried to rush me," Smith says three years later. "So I had to hit him. The doctor told me I broke his jaw, a smooth break. I got the first punch in and it connected. Good ..."

Smith sent back to Charlotte after punching teammate in the face at practice

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August 1

Gaston Gazette

"Volatile wide receiver Steve Smith punched cornerback Ken Lucas during a sideline altercation at Friday morning's practice, leaving Lucas' left eye bloodied and swollen and Smith facing a possible team-imposed suspension. Neither player participated in the night practice. Smith, who was kicked out of the morning session, was sent home to Charlotte for disciplinary reasons, according to coach John Fox. Lucas also returned to Charlotte to undergo medical examinations. As of late Friday night, there was noon the extent of Lucas' injury. The Panthers are pondering whether or not to suspend Smith, who was involved in a similar fight with a teammate in 2002. "We're still going through everything ..."

Football for Smith, but futbol for his son?

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June 15

Charlotte Observer

"The way he's able to fight for position, make outstanding plays in the air and use his quickness to leave defenders standing still, Steve Smith has no doubt he could have played other sports. The Carolina Panthers wide receiver - spurred mostly by the participation of his 11-year-old son Peyton - has in recent years taken an intense interest in the other football. He laughed and said the kind of soccer leagues his kids play in really weren't available in the South Central Los Angeles neighborhood he grew up in. "Growing up in L.A., it's kind of out of your element," Smith said. "If you don't grow up playing it, it's not something you pick up when you're 15 or 16. ... I had watched on TV ..."

Smith: Tough loss doesn't erase season

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January 12

Charlotte Observer

"Jake Delhomme didn't walk out of Bank of America Stadium alone Sunday. Steve Smith walked with him. Smith, Carolina's Pro Bowl wide receiver, defended both his quarterback and the team's season amid widespread criticism of the Panthers' stunning 33-13 loss to Arizona in Saturday night's home playoff game. "I feel about Jake the same way I felt about Jake after the 2003 season," Smith said, recalling the year Delhomme led the Panthers to the Super Bowl. "My opinion and my respect in my friend have not changed." As for the Panthers, Smith said the loss doesn't deter from what they accomplished during the regular season - a 12-4 record, NFC South championship and a first-round playoff bye. "I ..."

Cards coach jokes about Smith TD

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January 7

Charlotte Observer

"Even in the crucible of the NFL playoffs, Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt is keeping his sense of humor. Whisenhunt, whose Cardinals play the Carolina Panthers in an NFC Divisional playoff game Saturday at Bank of America Stadium, could laugh Tuesday when he was asked about a 65-yard touchdown reception by Steve Smith in the Panthers' 27-23 victory against the Cardinals on Oct. 26. It was an important play. After catching the pass from Jake Delhomme near midfield in front of the Arizona bench, Smith barely stayed in bounds, broke a few Cardinals tackles and sprinted to the end zone. Cardinals special teams coach Kevin Spencer, standing immediately next to the play when Smith caught ..."

Gruden: Smith 'A Nightmare'

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December 6

Tampa Tribune

"Every time Jon Gruden slides in a tape of a Carolina game, he sees No. 89 making a highlight-reel catch. Gruden loves great players, but at this point, he has seen quite enough of three-time Pro Bowl WR Steve Smith, two days before the Bucs face the Panthers in a Monday night showdown to determine first place in the NFC South. "That guy, Steve Smith, he's a nightmare, man," Gruden told Panthers reporters on a conference call. "He's like Freddy Krueger to me. He scares the heck out of me." Gruden has reason to be concerned. Of Smith's 30 career 100-yard games, five have come against the Bucs. Gruden has repeatedly had a front-row seat as Smith made key receptions to beat Tampa Bay in close ..."

Smith catch rallies Panthers past Green Bay

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December 1

Charlotte Observer

""Don't stop running." Those were the words quarterback Jake Delhomme spoke to receiver Steve Smith in the huddle with one minute, 48 seconds remaining in Sunday's scintillating Carolina-Green Bay game at Lambeau Field. The Packers had just taken a three-point lead with a field goal, after which Carolina's Mark Jones returned the kickoff to the Panthers' 45. When the Panthers exited the huddle, Delhomme got in shotgun formation planning first to throw a slant pass to Muhsin Muhammad. A Green Bay linebacker was crowding the middle of the defense and it looked like there would be room to hit Muhammad with a quick pass. But once the play began, Packers' cornerback Al Harris walled off ..."

Giant leap into shame?

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November 12

Charlotte Observer

columnist Barry Saunders

"The biscuit didn't fit through the helmet, thank goodness. Too bad the chicken did. What is it with black professional athletes from Charlotte and self-respect, with their inability to take the high road when a few coins are jangled in front of them? More than a decade after Charlotte Hornets forward Larry Johnson let someone talk him into dressing up like an old lady to sell basketball shoes -- remember those forgettable "Grandma'ma" ads? -- Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith let someone talk him into leaping into the stands ostensibly during a game and eating a piece of fried chicken through his helmet's face mask. It'd be interesting to find out what the meeting went like, when ..."

What is it with Smith and 65-yard TDs vs. Arizona?

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October 27

Gaston Gazette

"On a day when it was nearly impossible to get to Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner, second-year defensive end Charles Johnson did it twice accounting for both Carolina sacks in a 27-23 victory. "He did well today," said Julius Peppers. "He got pressure and was disruptive, got two sacks for us and held it down for the D-Line today." Johnson now has 3.5 sacks this season, just one-half sack behind Peppers for the team lead. Peppers said it was a tough day to be a defensive lineman because of Warner's quick release. Rarely did he hold the ball for longer than three seconds. "It was very frustrating because sometimes it feels like no matter how fast you beat somebody you are never going to get ..."

Delhomme isn't going to stop throwing to Smith because of a few drops

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October 26

Gaston Gazette

columnist Steve Reed

"Steve Smith has grown accustomed to making big plays on the football field. So when he drops a potential touchdown pass like he did against Kansas City in Week 5 and then again the following week against Tampa Bay it bothers him tremendously. That's why Smith sought out his close friend Jake Delhomme prior to last week's game, if for no other reason than to help him get through it. "I know he was disappointed because he dropped a walk-in touchdown pass in the Tampa game and it was something that ate at him," Delhomme said. "He was probably upset because he dropped a sure-fire touchdown pass and on top of that we didn't play well (the Panthers lost 27-3). When you want to be good at what ..."

Another classic Steve Smith moment

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October 20

Charlotte Observer

columnist Scott Fowler

"The most fascinating Carolina Panther was at it again Sunday. Wide receiver Steve Smith caught a 39-yard touchdown pass in double coverage while falling down Sunday, and you'd be hard-pressed to rank that even among the top 20 plays Smith has made in his Panther career. No. 89 is that electric. Panther coach John Fox was asked in press conference following Carolina's 30-7 win over New Orleans if he was still amazed by Smith. "Every day," Fox said. "It's the main reason I do this, just to watch those athletes do what they do." Smith said his 122-yard performance - his best yardage total of the season - was partly due to a heart-to-heart talk that he and quarterback Jake Delhomme had. "Me ..."

That Man Again

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October 19

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"When the Saints start talking about Carolina receiver Steve Smith, it sounds like a support-group meeting. Everyone has at least one horror story about how Smith burned them deep or across the middle or around the corner. Heck, the guy has racked up so many yards against the Saints over the years, he's probably qualified for a free flight by now. "He's just a big play waiting to happen," said Saints linebacker Scott Fujita, who has been matched up 1-on-1 against Smith a few times in the past because of the way the Panthers move him around to several different positions in their offense. "He stretched me out one time and scored a touchdown right over my head. And I felt like I was running ..."

Lake Norman High treated to visit by Panthers' Smith

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October 8

Charlotte Observer

"Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith says he wants to coach high school football when his playing career is over. From the looks of things Wednesday afternoon at Lake Norman High, Smith is going to be pretty good at his next profession. Lake Norman kicker Sully Shidler won a regional essay contest, sponsored by POWERade, to bring Smith to campus as a "coach for a day." Smith spoke to the team, which is 4-2 this season, about making good decisions, and participated in drills, teaching receivers some of the moves he's used to reach three NFL Pro Bowls. He also worked with special teams. "It's amazing to have him here," Lake Norman receiver Austin Eisenhoser said after some full-speed, ..."

Panthers' Smith to be 'coach for a day'

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October 3

Charlotte Observer

"Carolina Panthers Steve Smith will be a "coach for the day" at Lake Norman High on Tuesday. One of Smith's sponsors is a major sports drink company that offered area high school football teams a chance at a day with Smith. Area athletes submitted an essay in 89 words or less - in deference to Smith's jersey number - about how the school would benefit from Smith's participation. Lake Norman senior kicker Sully Shidler had the winning essay. He and his teammates will get a new coach for one day next week."

Smith thinks Panthers will bounce back strong after tough loss

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September 22

Gaston Gazette

"Steve Smith's return to the football field didn't go exactly as he hoped. Although Smith caught four passes for 70 yards in his first game back from a two-game suspension Sunday, the Panthers lost for the first time this season 20-10 to the Minnesota Vikings. "Everyone wants a nice story and all that, but today wasn't the day," Smith said of his return. "We're going to take it and dissect the tape, whether we want to or not, and improve on it. I think we will. After Monday when we watch the film we're going to come in with a new game plan and get to work on a new opponent." Smith had just one catch for 10 yards in the second half and praised the Vikings defense after the game. "They played ..."

Panthers offense flounders despite return of Smith

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September 22

Gaston Gazette

"The popular thinking was that once wide receiver Steve Smith returned to the lineup the Carolina Panthers offense would take off. Instead, it took a big step backward in Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. It was hardly Smith's fault. He led the team with 70 yards receiving in his first game back from a two-game suspension. Instead, it was Carolina's revamped offensive line, one that was dismantled by a group of Pro Bowl defensive linemen who harassed quarterback Jake Delhomme all day long, that let the Panthers down. Carolina's offense allowed five sacks, was flagged for eight penalties (six of them false starts) and gained just 204 total yards, their lowest ..."

Vikings' defense stymies Carolina's Steve Smith

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September 22

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"After serving a two-game suspension, Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith was thrilled to make his season debut against the Vikings on Sunday. Smith, who had one of his greatest games against the Vikings in 2005, started the game with a 16-yard reception that was followed by a 15-yard facemask penalty against cornerback Cedric Griffin. The play set up a 43-yard field goal to give the Panthers a 3-0 lead. But Smith had only three more catches for 54 yards, with only one in the second half, for 10 yards. The Vikings didn't use a fancy scheme to stop him. "We never do anything special on any receiver," Griffin said. "We just went out there and played our cover 2, played our man and ..."

Vikings humble Smith in season debut

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September 22

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Mark Craig

"Steve Smith mocked the Love Boat-era Vikings in 2005 by dropping to his backside and pretending to row when one of his 11 catches went for a touchdown. Sunday's game at the Metrodome had the potential for a repeat performance early, but Smith ultimately found himself up a creek without his imaginary paddle as his Carolina Panthers lost 20-10 in Smith's season debut. "It was an emotional day for me, and you always want the nice story to be the story," Smith said. "But today wasn't the day." In his first action since serving a two-game team-imposed suspension for punching teammate Ken Lucas, Smith started by catching three passes for 60 yards in the game's first 17 minutes. Two of those ..."

Steve Smith clears the air

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September 19

Charlotte Observer

"Steve Smith made it clear Thursday that he has no intention of ever giving Carolina Panthers officials cause to eject him, but he stopped short of saying he's down to his last chance to remain on the team. "I'm not looking at it like that," he said. "I just come here to play. Is it my last chance? I don't really see myself as trying to put myself back in this predicament, no matter what people may speculate, or say, or bring up." Smith said he's thrilled to be returning to the field with his teammates Sunday at Minnesota after serving a two-game suspension for punching cornerback Ken Lucas during an Aug.1 training camp practice. "It's a clean slate," he said. Smith said he wants to put his ..."

Smith's return should help Panthers in the red zone and on third downs

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September 18

Gaston Gazette

"As the Carolina Panthers returned to practice Wednesday to begin preparations for the Minnesota Vikings, the main topic of conversation surrounded the return of wide receiver Steve Smith and what he'll mean to league's 19th-ranked offense. The Panthers went 2-0 without their top offensive weapon and did enough good things on both sides of the ball to win. But the general feeling is with Smith back in the starting lineup the Panthers can only go up from here, especially on offense. "It was nice having him out there," said quarterback Jake Delhomme. "He does have a presence, I don't think there's any doubt. He showed he was the same old Steve (in practice)… Certainly Steve brings an element ..."

Smith is 'stress free,' ready to work

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September 18

Gaston Gazette

"Wide receiver Steve Smith said he's feeling "stress free" now that he's returned to the Carolina Panthers and that his doubters have given him "new fuel for my fire." "If you're not getting something from every experience, good or bad, you're not growing," Smith wrote on this week's blog at Athletes United for Youth. "One thing I've learned in this whole ordeal is to gain strength from new places." Smith addressed those fans who have criticized him in the past. "I want to talk to all the people who wrote and called me stupid or called me a thug or anything they wanted to say," Smith wrote in his blog. "I appreciate those people, too. Yes, I'm stress free and I'm also on that grind. It's ..."

He's Baa-aaack!

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September 18

Charlotte Observer

"Steve Smith was back catching passes for the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, dazzling teammates with his electric skills in his first practice after a two-week suspension. "The first play in practice, he caught a pass, sort of a deep slant," said offensive tackle Jordan Gross. "I know the Vikings (Sunday's opponent) are probably wishing it was a three-game suspension, because he is going to come back with a fury." Smith chose not to talk to reporters. He didn't come into the locker room during a 45-minute interview period. He wrote on his blog that he felt "stress free" and returns with "new fuel for my fire." The Panthers beat San Diego and Chicago without Smith, who was suspended for ..."

Smith will return to practice Wednesday

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September 16

Charlotte Observer

"Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith returned to Bank of America Stadium on Monday morning after serving a two-game suspension for punching teammate Ken Lucas in training camp. At his mid-day news conference, coach John Fox said he spoke to Smith on the telephone, but didn't see him. Monday and today are days off for the Panthers this week. Smith will practice for the first time on Wednesday. "I talked to him, but didn't see him," Fox said of Smith. "He's excited to be back." The Panthers won both games without Smith - 26-24 at San Diego last week and 20-17 on Sunday against Chicago - and play at Minnesota this week. "He's been in communication with a lot of the players," Fox said. "He's ..."

No Steve Smith, no problem

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September 15

Charlotte Observer

"The Carolina Panthers came through receiver Steve Smith's two-game suspension as well as they could have: They won both times. "Yes, that's almost seems like a bonus for us," said linebacker Jon Beason. Smith, who punched safety Ken Lucas in a training camp fight in early August, was suspended for the Panthers' season-opener last week against San Diego (a 26-24 victory) and Sunday's 20-17 triumph in Bank of America Stadium against the Chicago Bears. He'll return this week when the Panthers play at Minnesota. "I know Smitty expected us to come out and play hard every down," Beason said. "He comes and plays hard every down. "I'm sure he's ready to come back and burst on the scene." Smith's ..."

Panthers WR Smith says being away was "tough," looks forward to return Monday

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September 13

Gaston Gazette

"Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith talked about what it's like serving a two-game suspension in his latest blog on the Athletes United for Youth website Friday. Smith said sitting out last week's game against San Diego was "an opportunity to learn and grow," but wouldn't call it the low point of his career. "If it was the bottom of my career, that would mean I'm allowing this event to define me and put me in a place I don't need to be," Smith said. Smith said he's anxious to return to the team on Monday when he'll be activated from the reserve-suspended list. "It's been tough, being away from my teammates. Words can't really describe how I felt," Smith said. "It's very difficult. ..."

Panthers' Smith apologizes for incident with Lucas

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September 6

Charlotte Observer

"Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith says he understands why people are angry with him for punching teammate Ken Lucas during training camp in August. In a blog written Friday on the Athletes United for Youth Web site, Smith says: “To be honest, I'm not really expecting people to give me a free pass. There's no explanation I can give to justify what I did and I'm not going to try to waste their time trying to. It's just unfortunate. “My job is not to bring anybody back in the public to being on my side, but I can stand up and say, ‘I've made a mistake.' I'll be the first one to own up to it. I've never been a guy to shy away from things – when I've done good or bad. I took full ..."

Receiver Hackett returns to practice

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September 4

Charlotte Observer

"D.J. Hackett's return to practice Wednesday couldn't have been more timely for the Carolina Panthers. With Steve Smith suspended for the first two games, the Panthers were short on receivers and needed Hackett back after missing about a month because of an injured toe. "It was kind of a breath of fresh air," said receiver Muhsin Muhammad. "I know he's happy to get out there, run around a little bit and get some of the kinks out (since) he hadn't run routes full speed since training camp." Hackett didn't play in the Panthers' four exhibitions after injuring his toe in early August. He said it was a fluke injury which happened when he took off from his receiver's stance on a pass route. ..."

Smith out with concussion

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August 12

Charlotte Observer

"Panthers receiver Steve Smith missed Monday's practices with a concussion he suffered in Saturday's exhibition victory against the Indianapolis Colts. It's unlikely Smith will play Thursday at Philadelphia, since the team is very cautious with head injuries. Coach John Fox said Smith's status was "day-to-day." Smith, who is suspended for the Panthers' first two regular-season games after he punched teammate Ken Lucas on Aug. 1, was hurt after he caught a 19-yard pass from Matt Moore in the first quarter, taking a helmet-to-helmet blow from Colts defensive back Antoine Bethea. Smith was among several players who missed Monday morning's practice. Others included tight end Gary Barnidge ..."