Aug 1st 2008 11:33AM by Michael David Smith (author feed)
Filed under: Panthers
Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith is a great football player, but he really needs to stop punching his teammates.

Steve Reed of CarolinaGrowl.com reports that Smith and Panthers cornerback Ken Lucas exchanged blows on the sideline during a special teams practice today at training camp. Neither player was wearing a helmet at the time, and Smith got the better of it:

Lucas was then taken under the tent at the practice field and treated by trainer Ryan Vermillion. His face was bloodied and he appeared to have a large gash under his left eye. He held ice on the eye for several minutes before being taken to the locker room on a cart.
Reed reports that Smith walked off the field with Panthers general manager Marty Hurney and did not return.

In 2002 Smith attacked fellow wide receiver Anthony Bright in the film room, punching Bright in the face and damaging his facial structure. Bright sued Smith and it was settled out of court. Smith was suspended one game for that incident; coach John Fox says he doesn’t know whether there will be discipline stemming from this incident.