Smith Signed

:applause: :cheers: :aok: :boune:

 

I had an authentic custom one made his rookie year (which I wear when I don't wear my Cooper!) and I was sweatin'.

 

AL already in
http://www.panthers.com/news/newsroomNewsDetail.jsp?id=11788

 

Smith's deal is worth approximately $28 million and includes about $11 million in signing and option bonuses.

 

I thought this was interesting.

Remember how it was discussed on here if the Panthers were going to include a behavior clause in Smith's contract if we offered him an extension? Well, it looks to be none was written into the contract. This excerpt comes from Darin Gantt's column:


But as electrifying as the on-field highlights have been, his off-field problems often looked like they were going to derail his promising career.

In 2002, he was suspended one week by the team for punching teammate Anthony Bright in the face, breaking his nose in the process. And early this season, he went on a profanity-laced tirade about the lack of an extension the day defensive tackle Kris Jenkins received a new contract.

However, his agent said that didn't factor into negotiations. Some teams include clauses into contracts which allow them to recoup parts of signing bonuses if players are arrested or misbehave, but Fox said Monday that wasn't a part of Smith's new deal. Panthers general manager Marty Hurney wouldn't comment on the issue other than to say the team wrote the deal with the standard language regarding conduct.

"Through the whole process, there was never one mention by the team about Steve's behavior," Fox said. "That never became an issue in the negotiations.

"I think Steve's grown a great deal as a person through some of those things. He's a young man with a strong personality, but he's matured over the years."


>>Maybe the Panthers think that Steve has grown up some and has his temper pretty well in check. But, I thought that that was interesting.

 

They just didn't want to piss him off. You know how he gets!

 

No additional behavior clause for insurance is a mistake, IMO. Mark my words -- it will come back to bite this organization.

 

he can still be fined by the team for his behavior

 

Yeah, but that obviously wouldn't alleviate eating all the bonus money in a one year cap hit if he were to be convicted of murder or something. I agree that it's a mistake, I was hoping for some behavioral clauses. Any word on if the deal can potentially grow through performance-based incentives?

 

Sure, but compare even a stiff fine or suspension to denial of a bonus, or even terminating the contract without penalty. That's got some teeth. It's a deterrent. Fining a guy with a $30M contract a few thou is an annoyance. To some, it's even a badge of honor.