Steve Smith's Agent Says Smith Won't Return

We all knew it was coming, but we didn't want to accept it. If Steve Smith's agent, Derrick Fox, didn't rip your heart out with his statement, then you are not a true Carolina Panthers fan.

Earlier today, Fox told the media this: "He is not going to play for the Panthers next year, I know that. I just don't know when the transaction is going to take place."

I just read on Twitter from Joe Person (he writes for the Charlotte Observer) that this situation is not about money. General manager Dave Gettleman is wanting to turn the leadership of the team over to Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly.

This one hurts. Bad.