Carolina panthers suspend Steve Smith following fight in practice

Smith and Lucas have never gotten along, and “trash talking” between the two is apparently commonplace. Despite the acrimonious relationship between the two, Friday’s fisticuffs were the first time the players had come to blows—at least in view of the public or media. While the Panthers have been vague on details of the incident, every indication is that Smith “sucker punched” Lucas. Lucas was taken to a medical facility for treatment of a black eye and a broken nose while Smith was sent home.

Lucas returned to the team’s training camp in at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC on Saturday though he wasn’t required to be there. Lucas showed up to attend a fan open house, and judging from the reception he received from his teammates they’re taking his side in the incident. Panthers QB Jake Delhomme was effusive in his praise of Lucas, suggesting that he was “the bigger man” and noting that he was “mobbed by his teammates” in a show of support.

Delhomme was also conciliatory about Smith, though he made it clear that the team was disappointed in his actions. While he hadn’t spoken to Smith, Delhomme indicated that the two had “exchanged text messages” and that the wide receiver was “remorseful” for cold cocking his defensive counterpart. Delhomme indicated that the team was ready to put the incident behind them, but for the first two weeks of the season at least needed to win without Smith.

The Panthers are coming off a lackluster 7-9 campaign, but there’s optimism surrounding the team despite this incident. Delhomme had “Tommy John surgery” in the off season and appears to be back to 100% physically. The team bolstered the receiving corps to reduce the burden on Smith, and on the other side of the ball is looking for a “bounce back” season from superstar DE Julius Peppers. The Panthers begin the regular season in San Diego on September 7th, and will be without Smith for that game and their home opener against Chicago the following week.