Carolina Panthers
Smith's 'selfishness' could hurt Panthers
By Adam Harris Nov 10, 2009
The Carolina Panthers are 3-5, and their superstar wide receiver is beginning to show his frustration on the field.
Steve Smith was visibly upset with the play-calling during the second half of Carolina's 30-20 loss to New Orleans. Former Panthers safety, and locker room leader, Mike Minter deems Smith's actions as selfish and disruptive.
"I look at it as selfishness," Minter told 99.9 FM The Fan on Tuesday. "Anytime that you begin to try to disregard your authority, I look at it as selfishness. I don't look at it as frustration from losing."
With Carolina leading New Orleans, Smith appeared to be yelling at Panthers' offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson when he disagreed with the some conservative plays.
"I don't think there's any place for any player to try to show up a coach," Minter explained to The Insiders.. "And tell a coach what needs to be called and all that, in the way that he's been doing it."
"You've put that offensive coordinator in a position where nobody respects him."
Minter was a stand-out safety with the Panthers from 1997-2006. He says that none of his teammates would have acted like that when he was playing. Minter, now the head of football operations at First Assembly Christian School in Concord, believes players and coaches need to keep their conflicts out of the public eye.
"To try to dictate what needs to be called and how it needs to be called in the fashion that Steve Smith's been doing it, that's disruptive," added Minter.
"He needs to get in check what he's trying to accomplish."
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Most Recent Comments
RE: Smith's 'selfishness' could hurt Panthers
Steve is out of line. If he has an issue he should take it up with the coach in their office, not in front of a television audience, the crowd of an opposing team or his teammates. You have to respect the coaches authority. That is why I like college football better than the NFL. There are too many selfish, narcissistic prima donnas'in the NFL. Professional sports seems to be a breeding ground for them. You can't let your emotions cloud your judgement. This world would be even more of a mess if people let their emotions guide all their decisions.
I will say not in defense of Steve or his actions that Jake Delhomme is a terrible quarterback. His best days are gone. Until they get a QB they should run some reverses and wild cat formations with Steve to get him involved since he is a playmaker.
RE: Smith's 'selfishness' could hurt Panthers
You can't blame Smith for wanting the ball, you want your best player(s) to feel that way. I can't even imagine how frustrating it must be for Smith to know that even if he can get wide open on a pass play, it's doubtful Delhomme could get the ball to him. But the coaching staff needs to call the correct plays, and if Jake can't fulfill his obligations as quarterback, then replace him. I don't think I have EVER seen a coaching staff stick to a quarterback that is playing so consistently below par.. and by running the ball over and over on obvious passing situations, they obviously have no confidence in him.. so TAKE HIM OUT OF THE GAME!!!
RE: Smith's 'selfishness' could hurt Panthers
I meaan to say we "CAN'T" expect a few great players to carry the whole team
RE: Smith's 'selfishness' could hurt Panthers
I dont see it as selfishness at all. Gimme a break! I just think its frustration. Smith is a great player, very competitive, and takes things personally. He is probably just disgusted just like all the rest of us. We can expect a few great players to carry the whole team. Maybe the coaches need a wake up call. If something is not done soon about the coaching and QB situation then I believe we're going to lose some good players. I cant say that I blame Peppers anymore for wanting to leave. I just hope Smith doesnt want out too.
RE: Smith's 'selfishness' could hurt Panthers
"You're wasting your time whining about Delhomme, there's nothing that can be done about our QB situation this year so deal with it."
Well have you ever heard of BENCHING him??? We have 2 or 3 back ups, it might be time to let them take a few snaps. There's plenty that they can do!
Have you seen our backups play? Obviously not if you think they're a better option. Be serious, do you HONESTLY think the coaching staff would keep delhomme in the game if any of them had ANY acceptable QB talent that was better than Delhomme's? I don't think so, they know their jobs are on the line so they're doing the best thing they can think of.
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