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August 12, 2008
Lucas talks
I talked to Ken Lucas before practice Tuesday afternoon. I like him. He’s not an entertainer or an orator. He’s a private guy with a public job. I don’t think he enjoys doing interviews, especially group interviews.
So we talked by telephone. The column will run in Wednesday’s Observer.
Lucas, who suffered a broken nose when he was hit by a Steve Smith cheap shot, hopes to return to practice in time to get some reps before the Panthers open the season.
He also says camp is the most “efficient” of the four Panther camps in which he has participated, and that this team has more talent than any of the previous Panther teams.
Lucas, who plays cornerback for Carolina
“Friends and family watch TV and see that doubt,” says Lucas. “It kind of offends me.”
The people that know him, says Lucas, know he didn’t say it just to say it. He says the team has become closer, and explains why.
Posted by Observer Sports on August 12, 2008 at 06:32 PM | Permalink
Comments
This ESPN announcing group is a joke. Cornhiser is an idiot.
Jaworski is boring.
This other guy whatever his name is not any better.
They had a good group working together when on Sunday night football.
Joe Thiesmann
Paul McGuire
Mike Patrick
Whoever put the current 3 together should be fired.
Someone hire Pat Summerall
I have always been a Steve Smith fan but this latest violent attack has me unsure what I feel now.
Posted by: PSLHOLDER | Aug 12, 2008 6:46:04 PM
It truly amazes me that people that have no idea of the day to day operation within the Panther Organization, still feel the need to preach on what needs to be done. I am quite sure the Panthers have a clue on what is happening, and how things need to be addressed. That said, I can't wait to read what Lucas has to say. Maybe he can put this to bed once and for all. If Lucas can forgive Smitty, we all should be able to.
I am only guessing, but I feel pretty certain Smitty is doing everything within his power to prove to his teammates that the last 5 years of great behavior were not just smoke and mirrors. Smitty is not on Americas Most Wanted, he is just a human being that made an awful mistake. The whole Panther Organization is chock full of Character people, if only the outside world were the same.
GO CATS! and JAKE!
Posted by: iamhubby | Aug 12, 2008 7:18:10 PM
Iamhubby, if you want to be forgiven, you have to ask for it. The same holds true, even in the Christian Bible. Do you really think that rehearsed political rant Smitty recited qualifies as an apology? I get that he's a superstar, but really, people do need to grow up.
PSHOLDER... I agree with you 1000% Maybe they should get Pat Ya-stink-a-lotski to anchor their show. How much worse could it be?
Posted by: SYRPIS | Aug 12, 2008 7:28:15 PM
On a related note, what about those commentators announcing the Panther games. I'm glad they got Beurlein helping out, but some of those comments (can't say which voice was saying them) have got to go. It almost always sounds like they are pulling for the other teams. And when they make a mistake and are showed up, they never man up to it. It's really pathetic (and aggrevating to listen to as a Panther fan).
Posted by: SYRPIS | Aug 12, 2008 7:30:24 PM
Syrpis - Are you talking about Gary Williams that does the PRESEASON games with Beurlein?? They definitely don't do the regular season games, but I actually enjoy Gary on 610am sports talk in the morning....and although he can be harsh sometimes, he's a realist....And I like Jim Celania as well....I don't always think they pull for the "other teams" though....but that's their job as a sports anchor....and Tony C gets his share of crap for his ESPN stuff...but as a PTI fan, I get his humor....some people can't stand him and I respect their opinion as well. Anyway, I can't wait for the football season - I'm expecting big things from the Panthers this year....I'm calling it now...they come out and shock the world and beat the heavily favored I'm sure Chargers...J. Stewart is going to be a beast......and ROY anyone???
Posted by: jb | Aug 12, 2008 7:49:17 PM
i find it funny the lil "cheap shots" that this site throws at smith
Posted by: jake the snake | Aug 12, 2008 7:53:56 PM
The broadcasting "talent", and I used that term loosely, for all the panthers games on FOX is the worst in the world. Most don't take the time to even learn the player's correct names. Even Steve Smith's mother doesn't call him Steven.
Posted by: carpants | Aug 12, 2008 8:08:10 PM
Okay, "jake the snake"... I agree with you. The innuendos and passive-aggressive comments like - and I quote - "Lucas, who suffered a broken nose when he was hit by a Steve Smith cheap shot" - are WAY out of line and have no place in a column.
POSTERS, however, aren't bound by the same rules. That being said, I'm betting all of these beat writers are big F-ing candy a$$ LIBS, probably even are Obama supporters, and can't help but put OPINION in their reporting. Government educated, no doubt.
And, "on a related note", as SYRPIS so eloquently and repetitiously puts it...
SYRPIS...DUDE!!! Work on a new opening phrase, will you please? We all love the posts, but we enjoy variety more!
Posted by: Scott | Aug 12, 2008 8:22:47 PM
That was one hell of a rehearsal, SYRP, for him to speak for 3+ minutes without stopping less than 3 days after the incident occurred. If he didn't mean it, he could easily have had a script on him. He'd be far from the first and certainly not the last.
And fortunately, the worst commentator we always had to hear, Bill Maas, has been fired after a little drug possession charge.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Aug 12, 2008 8:28:01 PM
not way out of line... just unnecessary. punch is just perfect. or how about leave that out and just say from fighting steve
Posted by: jake the snake | Aug 12, 2008 8:39:24 PM
I'm glad that I'm not the only one that thinks our preseason commentators are ultra negative towards the Panthers. Yes, they DO seem to root for the other team at times with their comments, and I believe that's just a transparent attempt for them to show that they are objective. When they whine about an obviously incomplete pass for the Colts being reviewed because to their old tired eyes it looked like the ball didn't touch the ground, I have to wonder.
Syrpis, if that was rehearsed, then Smitty needs to fire his speechwriter or ask someone for help if he did it himself. Eloquent speaker Smitty is not, and I respect that he didn't write it all down prior to speaking. I think the cheap shots in these columns are getting old too. Let it go guys, seriously, there are a lot of other players to write about on this team.
Posted by: James | Aug 12, 2008 9:18:23 PM
PSL holder, thank you so much for the privy information on you being a PSL holder. Do you expect some kind of special treatment? Let me explain this, I wouldn't self-proclaim my self as a PSL HOLDER on a conventional blog like you do. Procton and Syrpis dominate these blogs and I hope Panther nation doesn't get caught up in all their crap. Some people know what I am talking about who have real jobs and post comments, only to be ridiculed by some girls who have no life. And Sypris, before you file a cyber attack on me, I don't know your sex nor Procton's orientation!
Posted by: Javery | Aug 12, 2008 9:29:54 PM
Directed to SYRPIS,
Who are you SYRPIS to say that Steve Smith's apology was insincere or rehearsed, only God knows his true heart, not you. If you don't want to believe him then don't, it's your prerogative, but don't go around telling others not to because you think you know what's in the hearts of others. Man don't even know his own heart let alone somebody elses. I think the real person who needs to grow up is you, and while you're at it, check your hate.
"Iamhubby, if you want to be forgiven, you have to ask for it. The same holds true, even in the Christian Bible. Do you really think that rehearsed political rant Smitty recited qualifies as an apology? I get that he's a superstar, but really, people do need to grow up."
Posted by: Reno | Aug 12, 2008 9:34:05 PM
Reno & the rest of you defending Smith's actions are reactions... you really should watch/listen/read his public "apology" again. Then we'll talk. And yes, it's one thing turn the other cheek and another to let some worshipped superstar corrupt people, especially young ones. A sincere apology doesn't have stipulations attached with disclaimer stating how the person apologizing will not do so to certain individuals. He let us all down, including his fans (and until that incident, I was one of them).
So yes, those of you that are star-struck are being immature. Steve Smith is no better or no worse than anyone else who nails someone (sucker punch or not) and should be treated as such.
Finally, I'm not the one that continues to bring this subject up, but I will speak up when someone jumps on here and starts acting like what Smith did was OK. There's already too much of that type of coddling going on.
Posted by: SYRPIS | Aug 13, 2008 1:29:45 AM
For those of you who don't get the "mystic responsiblity" involved here, read Lucas' speech. There is a greater responsiblity here. Smith says that he doesn't have to answer to everyone about what he did. WROOONG! Everyone who holds a public position does. As a teacher, I'm held accountable for all of my actions (on & off the job) by the entire local community. Steve Smith has a greater responsibility because he reaches a larger audience. That is why he literally gets paid a 1000 times more than teachers do. Now what is he teaching children that aspire to be like him with those words and actions of his?! If there are people who are still hating on me beacause of what I'm saying about Smith after reading this....
...if you're not part of the solution, then you are definately part of the problem. I'm leaving it at that.
Posted by: SYRPIS | Aug 13, 2008 1:41:17 AM
And yes, it was a rehearsed speech. George Bush stutters and stalls too, and he's even reading off of a monitor!
Posted by: SYRPIS | Aug 13, 2008 1:47:24 AM
And one more very important thing, I'm tired of that played out excuse....
"you don't know what's in his heart." Actions speak louder than words. Does it matter what's in a guys heart when he deals drugs or kills others? Who cares if he loves his mother. He needs to be dealt with appropriately.
Smith had to dish out a half a mil with that 2 game suspension. I just wish that was emphasized to the public more. I also wished he sounded more sincere with what he said to the public. "I was the only one at fault" was a great line, however the rest of what he was mouthing did not follow suit.
Whatever, I can't wait to never hear his name again. But again, if someone is going to act like its ok to nail your teammates (or anyone else) especailly when they are an icon to countless youth, I will speak up and right that wrong. End of story.
Posted by: SYRPIS | Aug 13, 2008 1:54:28 AM
And check my hate!?! Are you serious?! Yes I hate it when people do disgusting things and everyone acts like its either ok or the thing to do. Like Cosby said, "yes, we had criminals back then too. But the difference is that they knew they were criminals."
BTW, you don't have to cut & paste what I previously wrote. I know what I said. And as we used to say back in the day....
I said it, I meant it and I'm here to represent it. Peace out!
Posted by: SYRPIS | Aug 13, 2008 2:05:15 AM
Don't hit anyone Syrpis and as a teacher you should know that a little over $200,000 is not a half o mil. Try writing something positive for once. Writing your opinion is one thing...going jihad on us is not setting a good example for the your students.
Posted by: mackleT. | Aug 13, 2008 2:35:04 AM
Hey syrpis...Quit bitching already.Smitty screwed up and he owned up to it like a man.He didn't blame lucas for any of it.As far as the stuttering thing goes i watched his apology many times and he didn't stutter anymore than you would have teaching your class. I'm starting to wonder if your even a panther fan. You sure your not one of these fakes that live in tampa or atlanta that come on here bitching because we didn't release him so your team could get him. GET OVER IT!!!!
Posted by: Let it go already! | Aug 13, 2008 3:54:39 AM
Syrpis, exactly where did Smitty stipulate that he wouldn't apologize to certain people? I certainly never heard him say that.
Anyway, can't wait to read what Luc has to say. He should definitely be elected as a captain for his selfless public forgiveness. Clearly, he is thinking of the bigger picture which is not dividing the team, a team with a lot of potential. He definitely had it in his power to do just that by which way he chose to handle the situation.
Perhaps Luc doesn't like being interviewed because I recall his being burned in 2005 for an interview that he gave after the Panthers played the Jets where he felt he was taken out of context . As I recall, Fox was a bit upset by the content (something to the effect of his making it sound like the Jets laid down) since he is friends with Herm Edwards, their HC at the time.
Anyway, I never thought of Luc as a guy who wouldn't say what he meant or really felt. I hope he knows that most Panthers fans realize and appreciate that and we know how stupid those national talking heads are since it is obvious that most of them never even know the first thing about the Panthers when they DO talk about them.
Posted by: DD | Aug 13, 2008 4:43:31 AM
Joe Thiesmann
Paul McGuire
Mike Patrick
??????????????????????
Seriously,I just threw up thinking of those 3 calling a Nfl game again,Hell No........
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | Aug 13, 2008 4:45:16 AM
Lucas is a class act, unlike Smith
Posted by: matt | Aug 13, 2008 7:36:10 AM
well, Smith is, but to a certain degree
Posted by: matt | Aug 13, 2008 7:53:48 AM
I agree with the first comment from PSL HOLDER 100%. That was the best commentating crew in the business led by Mike Patrick (he's also great for ACC hoops..."Are you kidding me!" - he says that about 5 times a game when something unbelievable happens...)
Not the biggest Steve Smith fan anymore either. If we got the right value (two first rounders) I'd say let's unload him. The next time this happens he's certainly gone.
Posted by: Billy Goat | Aug 13, 2008 8:20:05 AM
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