I'll be the first one to admit was I surprised when I saw the news ticker flash that Steve Smith had been suspended for the first two games.  Steve Smith Suspended For Two Games  I was even more surprised when I saw that the Panthers were the ones that had suspended him.

Of course, like most of you, the first thing that crossed my mind was: should I still try to draft this dude in my fantasy league?  (And like most of you, I've decided to avoid him in the first few rounds - even though I think he and Delhomme are going to reconnect this year!)

However, after further review, I started really thinking about this move by Carolina.  Not only is this going to mess up some fantasy leagues (Smith was one of my keepers last year!), but this might actually affect something that really matters, Carolina's real season.  Woah, the two game suspension actually does have some bite.  Afterall, these aren't pre-season games, these are real games!

So, should the Carolina executives be treated for self-mutilation disorder or should they be commended for taking a stand against an obviously disgusting incident^*?   

I think you've gotta give the Carolina brass a pat on the back for this move.  It's not like this is the first time Smith has had some violent issues with teammates. Steve Smith Charged in Film-Room Fight  They way I see it, Smith has been long overdue for someone to step in and put him in his place. 

The real problem for Carolina is they were already pretty thin at receiver.  Losing Smith, really their only offensive weapon, is going to hurt.  If ever there was a time for a young receiver to step up, it's now.  (Yeah, that means you D.J. Hackett and Dwayne Jarrett!)

Who knows?  There could be a positive outcome to all of this.  Apparently Ken Lucas is hoping this will be a blessing in disguise for Carolina.  Gotta give the guy some credit.  He gets attacked at practice and still sings the company line.

Come to think of it, the last time Smith got in trouble for breaking a teammate's nose, the Panthers rebounded the next season to go to the Super Bowl.  Not only would that be great for the Carolina fans and the Panthers themselves, but it would also be great for the average American football fan.  If you'll remember, Super Bowl 38 not only brought us the Carolina Panthers in the big game for the first time, but it also brought us the most the most memorable halftime show ever.  Therefore, I'm pulling for a return to the Super Bowl for Carolina with a halftime featuring Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, and Jessica Simpson.


* Mister Mittons seems to think there's some bad-ass element to Smith's actions, although reports indicate the incident was a sucker punch on Lucas, thus making it even more disgusting.  Mister Mittons