Rivera comments on the scuffle

[4Corners]

I'm not a psychologist, but I think Smith has some mental issues, he may have been physically/sexually abused as a child.

[Cape Fear Cat]

I'm pretty sure I saw Cam right in the middle of it, too. It may not have been the smartest thing for the QB to jump headlong into a brawl, but you know his teammates love the fire - and I do too!

[bleys]

having a temper and being criticized for being short and never amount to anything will do that to a person..

well, a person who has any sense of integrity and perseverance..

[Snake]

I dont see why people are blaming Smith. He did not start either of the fights he just finished them.

[4Corners]

I'm not blaming Smith; if anything I loved the scuffle and Chico's press conference!

[Mr. Scot]

I'm pretty sure I saw Cam right in the middle of it, too. It may not have been the smartest thing for the QB to jump headlong into a brawl, but you know his teammates love the fire - and I do too!

Copied from the scuffle video thread...

About 13 seconds in, you can see Newton headed up the sideline on the left.

About ten seconds later, you see him emerge from the pack looking like he's roaring.

Kind of a badass way to finish the clip, honestly :D

[Tarheels23]

Only if our Defense would play with the fire of our offense. Anyone notice how AE and LaFell was right in there and Naanee was no where to be found.

Actually Naanee was one of the first guys down there.

[CarolinaNCSU]

I'm not a psychologist, but I think Smith has some mental issues, he may have been physically/sexually abused as a child.

I think he's just a BAMF.

[CarolinaNCSU]

I'm pretty sure I saw Cam right in the middle of it, too. It may not have been the smartest thing for the QB to jump headlong into a brawl, but you know his teammates love the fire - and I do too!

I loved when Smitty and Cam broke off the pile and started pumping the crowd up. J-Stew ran down too and was celebrating with them. Awesome moment for the team and fans.

[Carolina Husker]

Actually Naanee was one of the first guys down there.

Yeah, and he did nothing. Would have been completely acceptable for Naanee to dive into the side of Jenkins' knee from behind right after that shot he took to Smitty.

[Snake]

Newton and Smith are Gas and Fire. I liked seeing Gross and LaFell get in the middle also. Those Saints left being FUBAR'ed

[Guest]

Comments from Rivera's presser, about 14:20 in (link)

fug yeah!

[Snake]

Yeah, and he did nothing. Would have been completely acceptable for Naanee to dive into the side of Jenkins' knee from behind right after that shot he took to Smitty.

Or the nice hook like LaFell threw.

[rayzor]

Similar moment at around 11:35. Joe Person asks Rivera if he thought Shockey got too emotional during the game.

Rivera said "No. That's him." He went on to say that his emotion and attitude is what he wants to see on his team. Made reference also to Newton having that kind of fire as well.

Pretty clear he's not gonna pull back the reins on anyone being competitive. Just the opposite. He plans to stoke those fires.

huge departure from fox.