Fights breaking out during training camp are nothing new, but they usually occur on the field when players are protected by helmets and other gear. Well, not in this case as Steve Smith punched teammate Ken Lucas in the face while the two were standing on the sidelines during practice.
The two players have frequently jawed at one another since Lucas came to the Panthers In 2005. Smith is also know for having a volatile temper he was suspended for a game in 2002 after punching a different teammate, Anthony Bright during a film session. Smith received counseling for anger management and a lawsuit filed against him by Bright was settled out of court.
Noone is quite sure what provoked the fight, but what we do know is that both Lucas and Smith were dismissed from practice and Smith may face suspension from the team. Lucas was seen holding an ice pack to his left eye and was later carted off the field presumably to receive some medical assistance.
Coach John Fox tried to breakup the fight, but was unsuccesful in doing so. It took the strength of linebacker Jon Beason to pull Smith off of Lucas. Lucas then walked to a tent and Smith was escorted to the same tent by Mushin Muhammad where he attempted to apologize to Lucas. How well the apology went is not known.
Under the collective bargaining agreement the team is within its rights to suspend Smith for up to four games, but I am betting that this is unlikely to happen. How can you sideline your best offensive weapon for any amount of time in today’s NFL when even one game can be the difference between making the playoffs and going home.
Yet, not punishing Smith for this flagrant violation can also send a bad message to Smith and other players around the league. Most likely Smith will receive a hefty fine from the team, but one has to wonder if that really matters to a player who just signed a contract extension through 2012 that makes him one of the leagues highest paid receivers.
Carolina now faces a decision which could have a damaging impact on the rest of their season. If they don’t punish Smith severely enough coach John Fox runs the risk of losing control of his team. If they do levy a serious punishment they put themselves at risk of falling behind in the standings early on in the season. It remains to be seen what type of punishment Smith will receive or for that fact, how severe the damage is to Lucas’ face, but either way its going to be an intriguing few days in Carolina.

















Melrose to Coach Tampa Bay Lightning
Jun 25
Posted by admin in 2008 NHL Draft, Analyst, Barry Melrose, ESPN, Eastern Conference, Fantasy Sports, Florida, Hired, NHL, New Coach, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Uncategorized, Western conference, online sports community | No Comments
Hockey fans in Florida can rejoice on two fronts. First, Barry Melrose the esteemed ESPN NHL analyst and former coach of the Los Angeles Kings will be taking the place of John Tortorella to try his magic on Vincent Lecavalier and the rest of the Tampa Bay Lighting. Second, Melrose brings with him one of the most hallowed traditions in hockey…the mullet!
(Barry Melrose…notice the classic Mullet.)
Melrose has been working as an ESPN analyst and commentator for the last 12 years. His dashing suits, and slicked back mullet made him an in-house and fan favorite, and the one man who can make me blush.
Melroses’ last coaching gig with the L.A. Kings lasted just 2 1/2 years in which he posted a regular season record of 82-103-31. He did lead the Kings to the franchises first Stanley Cup Finals in 1993 where they lost a 5 game series to the Montreal Canadiens.
Though he has not coached in 13 seasons Melrose has always remained close to the game and kept a watchful eye over the players, and changes that game has undergone in the past years. He should be well prepared to tackle the dynamics of the “new” NHL and should spark life into a franchise that turned in an extremely disappointing season last year.
The Tampa Bay Lightning finished dead last in the 30 team league and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002, despite having talented superstars Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. The Lightning have not won a playoff series since their Stanley Cup championship in 2004.
Melroses biggest priority will be to improve the teams defensive play, “I believe in effort. I believe in energy. I believe in speed. I believe in aggression. I believe in letting guys be creative, using their imagination,” he said. “I give them a lot of freedom. All I ask in return is that they compete defensively.”
Melrose is no stranger to the Lightning squad and estimated that he watched about 90% of their games on television last season. He believes he knows why the team failed telling reporters that,
“I think what happened here is just a group that lost their passion in the second part of the season. That’s why you win,” Melrose said. “You out-work other teams, you out-want other teams. When you lose that fire and lose that passion, it’s very hard to compete in the NHL.”
Melrose received a vote of confidence from his former player and current Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky who said, “He treats his role players with a great deal of respect. He treats those guys just as good as he treats his top players, I think that’s a fine line and important because guys who don’t play as much … they need to have that reassurance that they’re part of the team also.” Gretzky also called Melrose a tremendous coach, and a true “players coach”.
The Lightning are in the midst of a change in ownership, a deal which should be finalized in June. The Lightning are being sold to a group headed by Oren Koules, Hollywood producer and friend of Barry Melrose and Canadian developer and former NHL player Len Barrie. The pair plan to sign Lecavalier to a contract extension and be an aggressive player in the free agent market.
The Lightning should be a team to watch out for with the talent of Lecavalier, St.Louis and the newly acquired number one overall pick in 2008 NHL draft, Steve Stamkos. Just look up the name on YouTube and you’ll see the type of talent we’re dealing with.
Congrats Barry, just be careful when you go to The Rock in Newark,NJ…I don’t think you’ll want to be seen walking around that building.
Tags: 1993 Stanley Cup Finals, 2008 NHL Draft, Analyst, Barry Melrose, coach, commentator, Coyotes, defense, ESPN, franchise, Hockey, Hollywood, John Tortorella, Los Angeles Kings, Martin St. Louis, montreal canadiens, mullet, New Coach, new jersey, New Jersey Devils, Newark, NHL, Oren Koules, Phoenix, playoffs, Prudential Center, Stanley Cup, Steve Stamkos, superstars, Tampa Bay Lightning, The Rock, Vincent Lecavalier, Wayne Gretzky