Bad Luck Continues For Panthers: Steve Smith Reportedly Breaks Arm Again

It seemed that the Carolina Panthers were starting off on a high note.

The pressure is on for the entire team this year. The head coach is on the hot seat, a quarterback is waiting in the wings (Jimmy Clausen), and with a potential lockout next season, people are fighting for jobs.

Now, the Panthers has a problem on their hands (doesn't happen often), once again being with star receiver Steve Smith.

According to reports, Smith reportedly has broken his arm, the one on which he has already faced a procedure last year.

This time, it is playing flag football. No, it is not a case where he was playing in a charity event with kids as originally reported.

Instead, it apparently is a league with adults, as it was the championship game for this league.

The last few years haven't been comfortable for either side. Whether it is the now multiple times where Smith has broken his arm, or his fight with teammates, the Panthers are on the decline in some aspects, and this was the last thing the coaching staff expected.

Right now, we are still waiting for information regarding a possible surgery.

If it is required, it would be a setback for Smith and his team.

Last season, he was disgruntled over the lack of involvement in the offense (clearly, Jake Delhomme had something to do with it).

Once Delhomme exited, Smith seemed to have found a connection with Moore at quarterback.

So why not take that momentum into training camp?

I'll be honest and say I don't know how the Panthers OTA's went.

But I do know if Smith gets off to a slow start due to the injury, it will be a long season for the Panthers.

The foundation is there with the powerful duo of a running game.

The offense is already aware of the defense's plan: stack eight in the box, slow down the running attack, and create a lot of trouble for Matt Moore.

Smith would benefit from this by facing a lot of single coverage, and by taking advantage of it.

However, he needs to be at full strength. Yes, it's okay to have fun.

Everyone needs a break once in a while.

But let's be realistic: we are in the month of June, with training camp around the corner, and you sustain an injury from playing a contact sport?

I'll spare Smith some grief, for he isn't getting in any trouble with the law.

That puts a burden on your teammates, coaching staff, and owner.

It is another case of an NFL star making a bad decision, one that may ruin team chemistry with the quarterback, and having a major impact on the outcome on this year.

Matt Miselis is an NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.

Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/MattMiselis