Steve Smith and Ken Lucas: Fight and Fantasy Football Fallout

The Carolina Panthers had an issue arise at their minicamp today, when wide receiver Steve Smith punched his own teammate in the eye. Ken Lucas, a Panthers cornerback, had to be carted off the field. Steve Smith and Ken Lucas have had issues in the past, dating back to 2005.

The Panthers, coming off a fairly pedestrian offensive season, need to have Steve Smith in camp, because he is such a key part of their offense. Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme and new free agent acquisition, wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, were not happy with the events. However, Muhammad was supportive of Smith and Lucas, overseeing an apologetic conversation between the two.

With regard to fantasy football, this should not have much of an effect. Steve Smith remains a top-tier fantasy wide receiver in all leagues, even if he is suspended by the team. Ken Lucas, for those who play in individual-defensive-players fantasy leagues, should be avoided in all leagues.

For fantasy football players who play with team defenses, the Carolina defense should remain fairly mediocre this season. The Panthers could be worth adding as a second team defense. Ken Lucas is not expected to make a major contribution, but Steve Smith could help to bolster the Panthers' special team units. Most of Lucas' contributions should come on special teams. Steve Smith's and Ken Lucas' contributions on special teams should provide additional value for fantasy football owners looking to draft the Carolina Panthers team defense.

Steve Smith has a history of anger management issues in his past, dating back all the way to the 2002 season where he punched another Panthers teammate. Despite being a three-time Pro Bowl player, Smith always had trouble controlling his temper. The Carolina Panthers hope that this issue won't inhibit the team in any way, and I do not believe it will.