Out of the Office

...but still thinking about you fine folks that read my little corner of the internet.

Steve Smith and Ken Lucas got into a scrap during Friday morning's workout at training camp. A scrap severe enough that Lucas was carted off the field holding an ice pack to his face (this from various reports). I did not see any of this--I was not there. Therefore, I will refrain from pointing fingers as to who started what.

I will say that things like this have no place in football. yes, football is an emotional game, it's a physical game, but to borrow a phrase from Allen Iverson, "we're talking about practice, man. Practice. Not a game, not a game, not a game...practice."

Smith and Lucas are fierce competitors, so the likelihood that something happened on the field and spilled over to the sidelines (where the scrap took place) is very likely. Things happen on the field, and these guys are professionals enough that it should stay there. Oh, and let's not overlook the fact THAT THEY ARE TEAMMATES!

The chatter coming from Spartanburg is that Smith would be the one serving a suspension from the team. The Panthers publicly say the matter will be handled internally. Just when you thought it was going to be a routine first week of training camp, the Panthers have had to break up a pair of fights, and one linebacker was scolded for being too aggressive in a drill.

7-9 may still be in this team's head, which is a good thing if they are motivated enough to change that record and become a better team, but for Pete's sake, stop fighting with your teammates. Indianapolis comes to town on August 9th to open the pre-season. Beat them up.

Tim Baier is in the chair tonight, alongside Ryan Welch--the Dynamic Duo will lead you through the weekend on Sports Night, and for those heading to Fan Fest, I'll see you there on Saturday!

Mike Solarte