Fights during NFL training camp are a weekly — if not daily — occurrence.
Before the age of Twitter, they were rarely reported. Sometimes we heard about them, only if they were serious enough to warrant coverage on ESPN.
But now, with the instant access to beat reporters that Twitter provides, we know about them instantly.
Monday’s scuffle on the Atlanta Falcons practice field, involving former Vols defensive end Jacques Smith, is one of the altercations that we’d likely never hear about if not for Twitter.
Here’s what happened, according to various beat reporters.
The fight escalated to words & shoving between Hawley and Jacques Smith. Choice words. Coach Smith walked over from nearby drill to stop it
— Knox Bardeen (@knoxbardeen) July 28, 2014
After the fight, Joe Hawley told rookie Jacques Smith to STFU. "You have to be kidding me, you're a rookie," Hawley said post scrum.
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) July 28, 2014
Look like Jacques Smith mixing up again with Schraeder
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) July 28, 2014
Ryan Schraeder and Jacques Smith just got into it. Schraeder landed a right and left hand uncontested. #Falcons
— Knox Bardeen (@knoxbardeen) July 28, 2014
Like I said earlier, these things happen all the time. Tempers flare, words get said and punches are thrown. The only bad news for Smith is that this altercation will likely receive some more attention next week when “Hard Knocks”, which features the Falcons, debuts next week.
Smith, an undrafted free agent, is competing for a roster spot. And he’s been looking good so far, according to various beat reporters.
“@CaseyFrady: @DOrlandoAJC How is Jacques Smith doing in camp”--looked strong at ROLB today in run d drills
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) July 27, 2014
Jacques Smith just tipped a pass. Showin up today
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) July 27, 2014
Definitely agree that Jacques Smith is one to watch RT @vxmcclure23 Falcons' projected 53-man roster, edition 2.0. http://t.co/IAzChxX7Gf
— Jay (@JayForAwhile) July 28, 2014
That’s good news for Smith. He has an uphill battle ahead of him if he wants to make the 53 man roster. He needs to put Monday’s altercation behind him, make amends with teammates and continue to impress the coaching staff.