Lucas says punch by Smith was a 'blessing'

The Panthers' starting cornerback put a positive spin on his training camp encounter with Carolina's star receiver. Ken Lucas stood in front of reporters Monday with a black eye and swollen nose. Then, in his first public comments since getting punched in the face by teammate Steve Smith at practice, Lucas insisted that the incident could end up being good for the Carolina Panthers. “I feel like what happened was a blessing in disguise,” Lucas said. “This is something I think has brought this team closer together. You may think [I] sound crazy for saying that, but I really think this is bigger than me and Steve.” Lucas, the Panthers’ starting cornerback, said he’ll need surgery to repair his nose and will be sidelined two to three weeks after Friday’s incident. Still, Lucas said he forgives Smith, who apologized to him in a... [read full story]