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Observer columnist Scott Fowler's take on Steve Smith's two-game suspension:
I like the way the Panthers handled a bad situation here – quickly and decisively. To me, a two-game suspension for Steve Smith is the right move.
But one more thing needs to be made very clear to Smith: If he ever does this again to a teammate, it's over for him as a Panther. Or, for that matter, if he ever gets in serious trouble off the field. I don't care if he's about to catch his 30th touchdown pass of the season. Three strikes, you're out.
Smith likes to live his life on the edge of a knife? He's there now.
Smith has a lot of explaining to do to his teammates and the general public. And what about the kids he works with so often and professes to care so much about? What did he teach them Friday when he broke Ken Lucas' nose?
Smith's best recourse now? Hold a press conference very soon. Apologize profusely. Answer questions until there are no more questions, and then say you're done with talking about it. Anything less than that and reporters will pursue him all year, asking the same questions, over and over.
Even after Smith does apologize, this incident will forever be twinned with his Anthony Bright episode, and it will always remain a part of his legacy in this league. You just don't run away from something like this, even if you're as fast as Smith.
The Panthers might have bought themselves an 0-2 start with this suspension, but maybe not.
I don't think they can win at San Diego in the opener, but the second game at home against Chicago will still be winnable.
Don't forget that Smith, despite being the Panthers' best player, is not the one they can least afford to lose.
That would be Jake Delhomme.
