Conflict Resolution

Well, many of us these days get ourselves in these predicaments where we end up having to understand what conflict resolution is really about. You have your Shawn Chacon incidents, you have your Manny Ramirez incidents, and others but you also have Steve Smith. Now, for those that don't know, Steve Smith is one of the better receivers in the NFL. His big year was in 2005 when he lead the league in catches, TDs, and receiving yards. However, maybe his small stature (5' 8") attributes more to his conflict resolution strategy, a little Napoleon complex? In 2002, Smith got in to an argument with a practice squad player, Anthony Bright, which ended up with Bright filing a civil suit that was handled out of court. Smith did some anger management counseling and we're all clear. Now in 2008, Smith attacks his teammate Ken Lucas after he was down on one knee and after he had taken off his helmet. Smith breaks Lucas' nose and it's going to require surgery. I know that tempers flare during practices and a coach always told me the first thing that you make sure you have your chin strap buckled so that your helmet stays on if you get into a scrum. Normally you see your average fight with guys with helmets on swinging wildly at each other or tackling each other, and that's something that you can deal with. Obviously Smith waited and attacked Lucas when he was least expecting it. The first time is mistake, the 2nd time is an issue, the 3rd time is a reoccurring problem. Mr. Smith is at strike 2. It will cost Smith 2 regular season games and I'm not sure how much money (outside of the missed games), but I'll bet that the Panthers are looking for Jack Nicholson in his best Dr. Buddy Rydell character to help with this little problem, before the Panthers lose their top receiving threat for much longer than 2 games.