News & Notes
Carolina's Smith Apologizes for Punching Teammate
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A subdued Steve Smith apologized to his Carolina Panthers teammates, coaches and fans three days after he punched teammate Ken Lucas at practice, leaving the starting cornerback with a broken nose that will require surgery.
Smith, who was suspended without pay for the first two regular season games, spoke to reporters for approximately four minutes after his first practice with the team since the incident. He did not answer questions.
"I'm not going to get into who's right, who's wrong. I'm completely wrong," Smith said. "It was an asinine decision. And I'll move forward better than I probably have ever had to. It's the first time in my life that I really haven't forgiven myself."
Lucas also returned to the team yesterday with a black left eye and swelling around his nose. The cornerback said he accepted Smith's apology and that he'll probably be sidelined two to three weeks.
"Depending on the surgery," Lucas said. "We're still waiting on the doctors to give us the timetable on when we're going to have this procedure done." . . .
Kansas City Chiefs rookie defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey should miss about a week after spraining his left knee in practice over the weekend. The team said an MRI exam showed no additional damage. . . .
Offensive lineman John Welbourn, who started every game at right guard last season for Kansas City, signed with the New England Patriots. . . .
Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Chris Gray retired before his 16th season because of a lower back and spine injury that threatened his ability to walk. Gray, 38, said three team doctors told him Saturday he risked paralysis if he continued playing. . . .
Buffalo Bills linebacker Alvin Bowen is scheduled for surgery next week on a torn right knee ligament, likely ending his rookie season before it starts. . . .
Philadelphia Eagles guard Shawn Andrews says he is battling depression and might end his training camp holdout this week.
Andrews told the Philadelphia Daily News that he has decided to get professional help and is on medication. The two-time Pro Bowl selection says the depression began more than a year ago and has worsened.
