By holding Steve Smith to one catch for 10 yards you could make the argument that DeAngelo Hall won his battle with Smith this time around. Yet his mental melt down resulted in him losing the war, not only for himself but his team mates and fans. Here are some post-game comments from both parties on this subject that I want to examine a little further.

"The things he was talking about are minute, about `I've been in as many Pro Bowls as you. I make more money.' Just real immature stuff," Smith said. "This isn't why I play this game. It ain't about how much money I make. I play this game for heart. I play the game to try to be an example for my kids.

Excuse me, we’re playing football here! If you want to debate the merits of your trash talk then save it for Sports Center. After watching Smith’s on-field antics and then reading his post-game comments I feel I need to qualify some of the positive statements I’ve posted on this blog recently about Steve Smith. I’ve mentioned that I think Smith has matured dramatically since his rookie season when comparing his recent statements to those in the past. He is certainly saying the right things, particularly if he is trying to be a good role model for children. Smith still has a ways to go though when it comes to his on-field antics. I get tired of seeing players celebrating every play on the field like they just won the SB. I don’t know what was said between the two (I would have loved to hear it) but you could tell both were jawing back and forth repeatedly. What example are you setting with that?

My point is this: even if Smith was being respectful, not cursing and not saying rude things to Hall, it sure looked that way. When it comes to being a role model for kids, perception is just as important as reality. What’s wrong with just getting up and going back to the huddle? Why the jumping up and down, the first down signal or the simulated flag throwing? Is that really setting a good example?

Hall is certainly is no victim here. He actually made a good play to prevent the catch and sure TD. He had no reason to allow himself to be baited into a penalty. He pretty much shut Smith down otherwise. I really expected him to blast the ref for not penalizing Smith but instead we get this:

Yeah, I feel like that, but we had a lot of opportunities that we didn't capitalize on," Hall said. "Mine adds to the pile. At the same time, I feel like I'm a leader and I've got to take responsibility for my penalties."

Say what you will he is at least starting to take responsibility for his actions. He's not pointing the finger at the ref's, or Smith or his team mates (though overs do it regularly).Smith could very well have gotten a flag too during the three or four plays that encompassed the melt down. Yet he sounds indignant in acting the way he did because of the petty boasts Hall was making. Knowing Smith, Hall may have never even said those things; it could just be one of the motivational ploys he uses to get up for a game. I certainly wouldn’t put it past him but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Despite the tone of my criticism of Smith in this post I must say I like Steve Smith and think he will someday enter the Panther Hall of Honor. He has come a long way from his first two seasons and the infamous locker room fight he was in. Yet I think he still has a ways to go if he’s going to be a true role model for our youth.