Steve Smith on Gettleman's "Evaluation" comment

[Johnny Rockets]

Hadn't seen this posted so delete if needed but Steve Smith gave a very candid interview on WBT with Keith Larson yesterday. First topic was Gettleman's comments. Here is a link to the interview.

 

http://www.wbt.com/keith-larson/2014/02/25/steve-smith-responds-to-gettlemans-presser

 

Summary:

 

* Wished Gettleman and Rivera gave him a heads up.

 

* Was very discouraged to hear it second hand through social media while he was on vacation with his family.

 

*Shocked to hear Gettleman refer to his career in past tense and was blindsided that his football career was in jeopordy.

 

*Said his agent has reached out to the Panthers since no one has contacted him.

 

* Not sure whether he would retire or play somewhere else because he is still trying to process all that he is finding out. He realizes it's a business and it's not in his control and sometimes when you are fired, you aren't consulted. Regarless he will never leave Charlotte as his "home"

 

* Speaks very highly of the Panthers organization and especially Jerry Richardson. Says no matter what happens that will never change.

 

Basically, Steve doesn't sound happy at all and why should he but he handles himself with class. The bad thing for Panther fans is that the old saying "where there is smoke, there is fire" really seems like it applies here. I get the gut feeling he is here next year, but it's obvious Steve feels a bit disrespected and both sides have some work to do if he is staying and that may not be up to him.

[CatfanMO]

Big money businesses do not care about people's feelings. 

[Happy Panther]

He would get scooped up in a second

[Mr. Scot]

My guess is that a phone call will be made from Gettleman's office to discuss things.

[Doyle]

Hopefully it's all a misunderstanding.  I was hoping Gettleman's comment was just a generic answer and there was nothing really to it.

[Jase]

He would get scooped up in a second

 

would he, though?

 

Aging receivers have a tendency to be left out in the cold, even if they still have the ability to contribute.  Teams don't want to lose the roster spot that would otherwise be occupied by a younger, developing receiver.

[TN05]

It's ridiculous he'd be treated this way - he's a team captain and the best player in team history. He at least needs a heads-up on this.

[jasonluckydog]

If we lose Smith which we wont but if we did I will be off the Gettle bandwagon in a heartbeat...I will probably hate David, Steve is like  Daryl from The Walking Dead he is the only safe person.

 

Gettle will then be known as The Governor...

 

 

Sunday cant get here quick enough

[Johnny Rockets]

Hopefully it's all a misunderstanding.  I was hoping Gettleman's comment was just a generic answer and there was nothing really to it.

I think that is a distinct possibilty and probably the best case scenario.  

[unicar15]

Pretty clear that DG evaluates everyone evenly. Considering one of the first things he said about Cam was that he better produce wins....

Marty Hurney is no longer here. Steve will be a Panther bc he's a good player not because he's a team legend. He needs to realize that.

[TN05]

Hopefully it's all a misunderstanding.  I was hoping Gettleman's comment was just a generic answer and there was nothing really to it.

 

Best-case scenario is that he wasn't referring to cutting him, he was talking about him getting up there in age and the team needs to look at moving him to the slot (which he wants) and signing or drafting more receivers. I surely hope that's the case.

[carolina-chuck]

My favorite player of all time, but 89 cannot play anymore. He's making too much money for his production. It's a young man's game and Smitty isnt very young now. I dont believe Smitty will even reach 600 yards next season. Either take a pay cut or gotta start looking toward the future.

[Toundra]

If i have to choose between Smitty and Gettleman, Gettleman is out.

 

[L-TownCat]

In all this I am most shocked at Jerry Richardson's silence.  Not towards us but to Smitty.  JR and Smitty have a super tight relationship.  When dealing with a local icon the owner should be the one to discuss matters with the potentially explosive mouth piece that is Steve Smith.