Carolina suspends Steve Smith two games

SPARTANBURG, S.C., Aug. 2 (UPI) -- The Carolina Panthers suspended all-pro wide receiver Steve Smith two games without pay Saturday for instigating a fistfight with teammate Ken Lucas.

The fight occurred during Friday's practice at the NFL team's training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.

Lucas was carted off the field with an ice pack over his left eye and X-rays determined he sustained a broken nose.

"What (Smith) did was wrong," Coach John Fox told The Charlotte Observer. "We take it very serious. He's being punished severely. ... It's an act that's inexcusable and it can't happen."

After the fight, the Observer reported that neither player joined the team for lunch.

Smith, one of the NFL's highest-paid receivers, is known for his volatile temper.

He will miss a Sept. 7 game at San Diego and the Panthers' home opener against Chicago Sept. 14.

Smith led the Panthers last season with seven touchdowns on 87 receptions for 1,002 yards in 15 games.

Fox added later Saturday that Smith would return to practice Monday and will be available for Carolina's four pre-season contests, beginning Aug. 9 against Indianapolis.