Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith is nearing the end of his career. The 34-year-old veteran’s stats this season have reflected that. Through four games, the former Pro Bowler has hauled in just 18 catches for 203 yards and a touchdown. However, he felt his performance in a 22-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals could have been better if the officials did their jobs.
More specifically, Smith felt that the Cardinals defensive backs were “molesting” him and that umpire Dan Ferrell did a “garbage” job officiating.
“I got a (pass interference) penalty, which is very interesting,” Smith told reporters, via Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer. “I got leg-humped and hugged a few times. Being a pretty good flag football player, I think I got my flag pulled on my jersey a few times. I would say pretty much, I take that one on the chin and just say it was me. I’ve got to play better.”
Smith said there was one route where Ferrell admitted he saw Patrick Peterson hold him but that he didn’t feel it was enough to warrant a call.
“I was told by the referee — whatever judge he was, No. 64 (Ferrell). He told me on my route (that) I felt like I got held, where (Peterson) had the back of my jersey and used that to slingshot his way through and bat the ball down,” Smith explained. “He said he grabbed my jersey, he saw it, but he didn’t think it was enough that changed the course of the route.
“It was pass interference in Mexico, Europe, rugby — in pretty much every other sport but in Arizona yesterday. But then when I pushed off it was pass interference.”
Roger Goodell will likely be sending Smith a special package in the mail for his critical comments, but he doesn’t seem to care.
“To be honest, I make enough money where if Roger wants to fine me he can,” he said. “But I really think that referee probably was the sorriest referee that I have ever met. When I dove for the first down (and) he was standing right there, he didn’t even acknowledge — he received a check that day and I hope he feels good. He was terrible. He was garbage.”
Smith has always been one of the most outspoken players in the league — just ask Mark Sanchez. With the Panthers off to another rough start this year, I highly doubt we have heard the last of No. 89.
