Lots of fans are not happy with Panthers management right now. From protests in the streets, to the swirl of activity on social meida, fans are finding plenty of ways to say they feel like Smitty’s being kicked to the curb. Sentimentality might help foster some support at the games, but if you want the wins, you gotta put the right players in place.
After days of speculation, the Panthers have officially released Steve Smith. GM Dave Gettleman calls it a “difficult decision made in the long-term interest of the team”. Which is what Gettleman is there to do: make the tough choices, and build a winning franchise. Of course, now he has to fill Smitty’s spot.
And right now, tops on the list are Hakeen Nicks and Brandon LaFell. Of course, Nicks is a hometown guy who went to Independence High and UNC before the bigs. LaFell has played with the Cats, but doesn’t have a commitment at the moment. Obviously, we want top talent, and maybe familiar faces would help heal the wounds.
And here we are again at sappy sentimentality. And frankly, fans can be really irrational about that kind of stuff. So while we’re talking about the fans, let’s talk to a few of them. Our Man on the Edge, Robert Wilder, is no dummy, but what about Panthers fans?
