Bucs Gameday

Steve Smith Has A Problem With Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield For Some Reason

The former Carolina Panther turned talking head had a harsh reaction when asked about Buccaneers' quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Oct 6, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. speaks during the Hall of Honor ceremony during halftime against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. speaks during the Hall of Honor ceremony during halftime against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images | Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images

Steve Smith Sr. packs a big punch.

Despite his modest stature, Smith put together a remarkable career as a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. A lot of his damage was done at the expense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as the vast majority of his career was spent torching NFC South defenses for the Carolina Panthers.

Smith isn't just known for his explosive performances on the field, though. His competitive, brash and outspoken nature has made him one of the biggest personalities the league has ever seen. When he retired, it wasn't a surprise to see Smith immediately transition into a media role, where his bold opinions have been expressed with the same vigor and intensity he once displayed on the football field.

READ MORE: Buccaneers WR Mike Evans Nominated for NFL's Most Prestigious Award

Despite having many strengths, both as a player and media personality, Smith has one defining flaw that Bucs fans know all too well... He can't hide his bias.

Smith has always shown a propensity for holding grudges, and although media professionals generally try to remain objective, Smith struggles with this aspect of the job.

Smith recently appeared made a guest appearance on Barstool Sports' popular show, Pardon My Take, where after being prompted to discuss Buccaneers' quarterback, Baker Mayfield, the former Carolina Panther had an extremely harsh reaction.

After PFT Commenter said, "I want to give you a chance to say something nice about Baker Mayfield", Smith stared into the camera with a blank look on his face. The host of the show responded with "Oh we lost him. Is he frozen?" To which Smith responded, "No. I'm not frozen."

When asked, "Has he been better than you thought he would be?" Smith responded, "Bro I don't care. He doesn't care about me. I don't care about him."

Although Smith didn't necessarily say anything too outlandish, his facial expressions and reactions certainly painted a clear picture, which is that Steve Smith does not like Baker Mayfield.

This shade from Smith is a bit of a perfect storm, because not only does Steve Smith Sr. have a history of publicly disrespecting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he actually has a history of discrediting Baker Mayfield as well.

As one of the most competitive players in the league, it will be interesting to see whether or not Baker Mayfield ends up responding to this salty interaction in any way, because chances are he will be asked about it at some point.

READ MORE: Gerald McCoy Calls Out 'Spoiled' Buccaneers Fans Complaining About Todd Bowles

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Collin Haalboom
COLLIN HAALBOOM

Prior to joining BucsGameday and Sports Illustrated, Collin's written content was provided through Bucs Banter, and NFL Draft Lounge. He is also the creator and host of the Bucs Banter Podcast. He is a graduate of the Communication Studies program at McMaster University, where he was also a varsity basketball player, and later an advanced scout. He lives with his wife and two children in Hamilton, ON. You can follow Collin on YouTube and Twitter.

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