He's Baa-aaaack

Vintage · Sep 18, 2008

He's Baa-aaack!

Panthers all smiles as Smith returns from suspension

By Charles Chandler
cchandler@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Thursday, Sep. 18, 2008



“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 punching teammate Ken Lucas during training camp.

Smith arrived on the practice field early Wednesday and was warmly greeted by his teammates, who said they've put the incident behind them.

“The only time I really talk about it is when somebody brings it up, and I try to shoot it down as much as possible because that is something that passed and I don't want to dwell on it anymore,” said Lucas.

“I'm just as happy to have Steve back as anybody in this locker room, because he's going to help us win a lot of games this year.

“I feel like the sky's the limit for us. I told him after the game, ‘I'll see you on Monday and let's go get this (Super Bowl) ring together.'”

Smith wrote on his “Goin' Deep” blog on the Athletes for Youth Web site (athletes foryouth.org) that he has forgiven himself and has been given “a clean slate” by his teammates.

He said he was “going to get away from doing too many interviews” and took issue with how the media portrays him, saying “controversy and negativity sells.”

Quarterback Jake Delhomme was ultra-positive about having his top receiver back.

“He does have a presence; I don't think there's any doubt,” said Delhomme. “Steve brings an element of speed, an element of explosiveness.”

Coach John Fox was quick to respond when asked how he expects Smith will factor into Sunday's 1p.m. game at Minnesota.

“I'd say there's probably a good chance he'll start Sunday,” Fox said.

Gross said the Panthers' unbeaten record combined with a fresh, rested Smith joining them was a “best-case scenario.”

Lucas put it this way: “Now we have a bond as a team I don't think anyone can break. We really have a lot of confidence going into Minnesota this week.”
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http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/story/199195.html

Vintage · Sep 18, 2008

The Panthers had a hard fought couple of games to start the season, especially without their star WR. But they managed to start the season 2-0. Adding back Smith... they should be feeling pretty good about their chances (even though its waaaay early in the season).

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