Panthers Smith Issues Formal Apology

Wow, I was hoping Steve Smith would issue a sincere, hearf-felt apology after punching teammate Ken Lucas and he didn't disappoint.

"First of all, I'd really like to apologize to the orginization, to the coaches, to my teammates, to my family. I have a big responsibility to a lot of people and I know I disappointed a lot of people, but I will not allow this moment in the book of life to define me, despite what people may write or say.

"I made a bad decision. I accept my responsibilities and my actions. I will take this opportunity moving forward to try to do the best I can to move forward past it and let this not define me and not get down on myself to the point that I'm not able to help my teammates out and help this organization win a championship.

This is just what I was hoping for so maybe we can start the healing process. I'm going to maintain Smith excels when he feels like the world is up against him and he has something to prove. Well, he has that edge now and I expect him to be a dynamo this season once he gets on the field.