Steve Smith blames Mike Mitchell for hit by Lawrence Timmons
Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. was displeased with Steelers safety Mike Mitchell following Thursday’s game between the AFC North rivals, insisting that Mitchell speared him in the lower back during a play in the third quarter.
Smith said that Mitchell is now on his “lifetime hit list” due to the incident.
However, video of the play shows it was Pittsburgh linebacker Lawrence Timmons, not Mitchell, who hit Smith with his helmet, reports ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
“I got speared in my back by an ex-teammate,” Smith said, adding that Mitchell said, “How do you like that?” after the hit. The two played together in 2013 with the Panthers.
Smith said he is looking forward to playing against Mitchell again when the Ravens play the Steelers at home on Dec. 27.
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The wide receiver sustained a lower-back contusion as a result of the incident and did not return to the game. The Ravens beat the Steelers 23–20 in overtime for the team’s first victory of the season.
Smith did not comment on his status for Baltimore’s Week 5 matchup against the Browns on Oct. 11.
The 36-year-old, who has announced he will retire after this season, is the Ravens’ leading receiver. He has 29 catches for 373 yards after four games.
- Xandria James
