Smith suspended two games

The Carolina Panthers have suspended wide receiver Steve Smith for the first two regular season games after Smith cold-cocked teammate and fellow-starter Ken Lucas, according to Fox Sports Radio and other media reports.

Smith broke Lucas’ nose, according to coach John Fox, according to the Associated Press. Smith will play in preseason games and practice with the team again starting Monday.

Had to happen. Hurts the team early on but if the Panthers hadn’t acted they A) run the risk of losing the locker room and B) let Smith think he can get away with these antics. The Panthers will likely be better off in the long run but they were a borderline playoff team before this – if they open 0-2 it doesn’t help the team’s cause – or Fox’s.