26 replies to this topic

[jtm]

If the reports are true (and I believe they are), does Smith act like a professional through this ordeal or throw a Smitty tantrum and burn bridges? I don't blame him for wanting out considering he is about to turn 32 and we are clearly in a rebuilding stage. However, I don't think any teams will be willing to pick up his contract. Smitty is due $7 million in 2011 and $7.75 in 2012. Reality is Smitty probably isn't going anywhere. So do you think he rides out his contract as a professional or does he pull a Randy Moss?

[OneBadassCat]

I think he's got too much respect for JR to leave immaturely. If he wants to go we will trade him. I don't think either party wants an unhappy Steve Smith on the team.

[ECUPantherFan]

I think he's going to burn bridges. Not with the players, but with the fans. I think he's going to rub our noses in it.

[Floppin]

I think that the whole process has been respectful to Smith, based on reports at least, by giving him time to evaluate the teams progression in the off season before making a decision. Although it has been known by the team that Smith has wanted a trade for a long time, it has barely leaked out to the press, with a few minor rumor exceptions. If he was going to throw a hissy fit he would have before now.

This could all change if he has truly decided that he wants out and we force him to stay.

[jtm]

I think he's going to burn bridges. Not with the players, but with the fans. I think he's going to rub our noses in it.

I think you are right. I believe the rumors are true because Smitty has always been quick to shoot any rumors down when they surface. He is not afraid to call into a radio station. I hope this ends well because I have a lot of respect for him as a player and this has been a mutually beneficial relationship.

[jtm]

This could all change if he has truly decided that he wants out and we force him to stay.

I don't think we will force him to stay but I don't think anyone will be willing to pick up his contract plus give us a draft pick. So now does he finish out his last two years as a professional or make it difficult?

[bleys]

I'm pretty certain Smitty will leave the franchise on good terms. Aside from punching 2 teammates, I'm not sure why he gets a rap of being unprofessional in all other aspects.

[CRA]

I'm pretty certain Smitty will leave the franchise on good terms. Aside from punching 2 teammates, I'm not sure why he gets a rap of being unprofessional in all other aspects.

probably b/c he makes a habit of cussing out players and coaches.....and it has been reported his teammates have always had "issues" with him over the year b/c of the manner in which he acts. Like when they sat him down after he sucker punched Lucas and Smitty acted surprised when everyone sat him down and voiced their issues w/ him.

Smitty will go out on good terms if he gets what he wants, when he wants it. If not, I expect him to start making noise.

Edited by CRA, 27 April 2011 - 08:03 AM.

[Millions]

He'll go out on good terms I'm just hoping this topic is irrelevant when its all said an done

[jtm]

He'll go out on good terms I'm just hoping this topic is irrelevant when its all said an done

I hope so too but Smith is great when he is happy and not so great when he is not happy.

[CatMan72]

If he feels trapped here, things will get ugly.

We should trade him as quickly as possible for whatever reasonable offer we can get.

[YourManInAmsterdam]

I think he's going to burn bridges. Not with the players, but with the fans. I think he's going to rub our noses in it.

Let's say, hypothetically, that he's traded or otherwise moves on...

Even if he keeps his mouth shut and doesn't make a fuss in the press or something else ill-tempered, it will be easy for fans to turn on him over the slightest thing after departure.

For all his talent and fire, he has been something of jerk and we won't forget that quickly or easily.

[edward teach]

I have always loved Smith as a player...BUT, the more I think about it, the more it pisses me off.
Smith punched two teammates on two separate occasions and the Panthers stood by him.
We drafted him when no one else even had him targeted.
We embraced him throughout all of the "flag football" crap.
He is loved by almost all of the fans in Carolina.
He goes on local radio shows and talks big game about writers...defends his actions.
When he signed his current deal, he had to know that Jake wasn't gonna be here forever.
But now that we have a new direction he wants out but won't confirm/deny any of the rumors?
Why isn't he on the radio now?
Where you at, Smitty?
Someone needs to get up with their "sources" and find out why Smith is not running his mouth now.

I hope to wake up Friday morning to find that Smith comes out of hiding to show his support for our team/draft choices/coaching staff and to deny that he wants to be somewhere else. But something tells me that ain't happening. If he wants to go, send him packing. When he gets to SD or BAL he can go on the local shows and talk about "that other team" that he "used to play for" like Judass Peppers did.

[guffeyp]

Can he renegotiate his contract after being traded? That would help us in getting more value for him.

[Phil Dees]

Smith punched two teammates on two separate occasions and the Panthers stood by him.

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