DE Will Smith (National Champion, Super Bowl Champion, Pro-bowler; R.I.P.)

[Buckskin86]

New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith vs. Seattle Seahawks LT Russell
Published: Thursday, January 06, 2011
James Varney, The Times-Picayune

Key matchup in Saturday's wild-card game between the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks:

Saints defensive end Will Smith vs. Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung
will_smith_seahawks.jpgTed Jackson/The Times-PicayuneNew Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith helps safety Roman Harper take down Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in this Oct. 27, 2007 file photo.

This position battle has become a centerpiece of game-planning, and Saturday should prove no exception. Okung's job might be more significant if Matt Hasselbeck plays quarterback because he is less mobile in the pocket than Charlie Whitehurst, but either way trying to keep Smith, New Orleans' most dynamic pass-rusher, out of the backfield will be of paramount importance.

Okung, 6 feet 5, 350, was the Seahawks' first-round draft choice in 2009 out of Oklahoma State. He started his first game at St. Louis on Oct. 3 and nine of Seattle's next 12 games, including seven in a row. The two tangled in New Orleans when Seattle visited Nov. 21.

"He did a couple of things well," Smith said, noting Okung's youth. "They're not really a big run team, but I thought he's pretty good on the run blocking. Pass protecting, even though they got the ball out pretty fast. I thought the offensive line as a whole was OK."

Against Tampa Bay, Smith was a fixture in the Buccaneers backfield. Unfortunately, there he had to cope with a young, big and athletic quarterback in Josh Freeman. Smith had one sack, but was close on many more and could not quite close the deal.

"I'm hoping to see 91 in the backfield also," Smith laughed when asked if he foresaw a repeat. "I don't think it works that easy, though. You can look at it in two different ways. One, I'm dominating the guy across from me and giving myself an opportunity to make those plays, and I just fell short a little bit and now I've got to carry it forward a little bit next week and try to finish the play."

Smith said he sees a two-tiered approach for New Orleans' defensive line Saturday.

"We know ultimately going into the game we've got to stop the run and kind of make those guys one-dimensional," he said. "We know we've got to try to get our hands up and deflect some passes, because you know if Hasselbeck plays or the other guy plays, they're not going to hold on to the ball that long, they're going to try to get rid of the ball pretty quickly."

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/01/new_orleans_saints_de_will_smi_3.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Ruling allows NFL to suspend Vikes' Williamses, Saints' Smith
Associated Press
Published: Feb. 8, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Appeals Court said Tuesday it won't permanently block the NFL from suspending Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams.

The NFL is also seeking a similar suspension for New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith.

"We are pleased that the Minnesota Court of Appeals, like all other federal & state courts to hear the matter, has unanimously upheld the structure & operation of the NFL?s collectively bargained Policy on Steroids & Related Substances," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tweeted Tuesday. "Today?s opinion confirms the testing program did not violate Minnesota state law & vindicates the policy & procedures of the program. We are in the process of reviewing the decision and determining our next steps.?

The players have long fought their four-game suspensions for violating the NFL's anti-doping policy. They tested positive for the banned diuretic bumetanide in 2008.

Last May, a Minnesota judge ruled the NFL broke state law when it failed to notify the Williamses of their test results within three days. But the judge also ruled the NFL could suspend the players.

The players appealed and asked for permanent relief from their suspensions. The appeals court said Tuesday that the players shouldn't get relief because bumetanide isn't defined as a drug under the state law, so it's not required that players be told of its presence in drug tests.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000...s-williamses-saints-smith?module=HP_headlines

 

[Buckskin86]

Grand jury to decide whether to charge Saints? Will Smith
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on February 12, 2011

Saints defensive end Will Smith had a disappointing year on and off the field, with the low point his arrest for a domestic battery incident in November.

District Attorney Mike Harson said this week that he will let a grand jury decide if Smith?s case will go to trial or not, according to the Associated Press.

Police on patrol near an area nightclub witnessed Smith grabbing his wife?s hair while in a dispute. Witnesses have reportedly since come forward with information that could help Smith.

Because of the conflicting testimonies, Smith, Smith?s wife, witnesses and the officers will testify before a grand jury to determine whether Smith is charged.

Smith could also be punished in 2011 for his involved in the StarCaps case. He?s due $6 million next season.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...o-decide-whether-to-charge-saints-will-smith/

 

[Buckskin86]

Will Smith helps honor area's top football players
By JOHN PITARRESI
Observer-Dispatch
Posted Mar 26, 2011

NEW HARTFORD ?

Dan Conley is plenty busy.

The former Syracuse University football star, in his fourth year as an assistant at his alma mater, is in the midst of helping rebuild an Orange defense that spearheaded the team to an 8-5 record last fall, including a victory over Kansas State in the inaugural Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium.

And his outlook overall is pretty positive.

?We?ll be young, fast, and athletic,? he said Saturday, when he took time out to be the guest speaker at the third annual Evening of All-Stars banquet at Daniele?s Banquet Hall.

New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith, the former Thomas R. Proctor High School and Ohio State University star who is not so busy as he waits out the National Football League lockout, played host for the event, which honors members of the Observer-Dispatch?s All-Mohawk Valley Football team.

Smith, the owner of a rare double with a national championship with the Buckeyes and a Super Bowl title with the Saints, showed up looking as if he?s been spending a lot of the time in the gym, and he has.

?I?ve got nothing else to do,? said Smith, who has 55.5 sacks in his seven-year career. ?I?m just working out and doing the stuff I normally do, just staying in shape.?

It?s a little bit of an unexpected vacation with the NFL players and owners at each other?s throats over the expired collective bargaining agreement, but Smith isn?t sure he?s all that comfortable with it.

?I know my family is happy I?m spending more time at home,? he said. ?You kind of miss it, but you understand the importance of what?s going on. We?re behind the players? union 100 percent.?

He said he has no idea when the dispute might be settled.

?Your guess is as good as mine,? he said.

Smith?s numbers were down somewhat last season ? 39 tackles and 5.5 sacks ? and the Saints were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round after winning the big prize the year before. He has high hopes of changing things when and if the 2011 season is played.

?I want to get my stats back up,? he said. ?I?m a bit leaner. And (teamwise) it comes down to us executing and playing at a higher level.?

http://www.uticaod.com/topstories/x1405311311/Will-Smith-helps-honor-areas-top-football-players

 

[Buckskin86]

Will Smith Likely to Miss First Four Games of 2011 Saints Season
Erindavewhodat_tiny by Dave Cariello on Apr 28, 2011

Amidst all the NFL Draft and NFL Lockout talk that's taken most or all of the spotlight this off-season has been the ongoing StarCaps case involving Saints defensive end Will Smith and the Minnesota Vikings Williams Wall.

But apparently, that's just about over...and the results aren't good for Saints fans. Pro Football Talk reports that the appeal by the players has been denied this morning and that the NFL has won the case, meaning Will Smith will need to serve his four game suspension:

"The Minnesota Supreme Court has just issued this morning an order denying a review of the appeals court decision that went in favor of the league," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said today on PFT Live. "The result is the case is over and we, the NFL, prevailed in the case. So there is a court in Minnesota that rules in our favor from time to time."

Presumably, that means Pat Williams, Kevin Williams and Will Smith will all be suspended for the first four games of the 2011 NFL season.

http://www.canalstreetchronicles.co...o-miss-first-four-games-of-2011-saints-season

 

[Buckskin86]

New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith likely to face suspension: Payton
Published: Sunday, July 31, 2011
By James Varney, The Times-Picayune


New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton said Sunday he believes defensive end Will Smith will finally have to serve a four-game suspension at the beginning of the 2011 season.

Michael DeMocker/The Times-Picayune
New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith fmight be facing a suspension when the season starts.

Smith has declined comment on the matter.

The suspension stems from a 2008 test that caught Smith and a handful of other players using a banned substance. The substance was ingested by Smith and the other players in a dietary supplement that was not banned.

Nevertheless, after years of legal wrangling and appeals, the courts in February upheld the suspensions of Smith and some Minnesota Vikings players. Saints defensive tackle Charles Grant and running back Deuce McAllister were also involved, but both of them are now out of football.

NFL spokesmen did not respond to an e-mail this weekend asking about the league's stance, but even without the new collective bargaining agreement in place it seems unlikely the league would waive the suspension given the league's firm stance through years of courtroom battles.

Payton was asked about the matter after Sunday's practice.

"From the impression I have, that is what's going to happen," he said. "I think you just have to make sure you're rolling guys through (that position) and get Will the reps he needs, but also make sure we're prepared if that does happen."

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/07/new_orleans_saints_de_will_smi_4.html

 

[Buckskin86]

New Orleans Saints' defense anchored by Will Smith and Sedrick Ellis
Published: Tuesday, August 02, 2011
By Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune

The New Orleans Saints are determined to be more disruptive on defense this year.

Ted Jackson/The Times-Picayune
Sedrick Ellis, left, and Will Smith are key cogs for the New Orleans Saints, says defensive line coach Bill Johnson.

It's why they drafted end Cameron Jordan and linebacker Martez Wilson, signed tackle Shaun Rogers and end Turk McBride and pursued free-agent tackle Cullen Jenkins, among others, during an offseason makeover.

But the two players who can make the biggest difference for the Saints are the only two defensive linemen remaining from their Super Bowl roster - end Will Smith and tackle Sedrick Ellis.

"They're the anchors," New Orleans defensive line coach Bill Johnson said. "They can make big impacts."

Smith, 30, admits that his production dropped off last year when he dropped from a career-high 13 sacks in 2009 to 5 1/2. He was playing at a heavier weight in 2010, more than 280 pounds, which he said was partly because the team wanted him to bulk up and be a more stout run defender.

Now he's down to 270, the same as he was to start the '09 season. Though he likely will miss the first four games because of a suspension for a banned diuretic that has been lingering since 2008, Smith is primed for a big year.

"They like the way I look, and like the way I'm playing so far. So I'm excited about this year," said Smith, who worked out primarily at the Athlete's Performance Institute in Arizona, with occasional appearances at the Saints' player workouts at Tulane. "We've got a lot of new packages in that get us free, get us to the quarterback, so we're all excited."

At the start of training camp, Johnson showed the defensive linemen a highlight reel of their missed opportunities from last season, and Smith popped up on the film more than he would have liked.

"Will Smith did not have a bad season last year, but I think he played a little overweight coming off that Super Bowl," Johnson said. "And I think he left probably 12 plays on the field that were significant enough that kept him from someone just looking on paper and saying he had a hell of a year.

"I can tell you this, he left eight sacks on the field, by a (narrow margin), with his hands on the guy, couldn't quite get him down, whatever. But that's part of sacking the quarterback ... whereas the year before, we got 'em down all the time. (Smith) is probably 15 pounds less than he was last year. That's going to help him. He comes in, in shape, like he did two years ago, and he's still got a lot left in him, and he's a good football player. He'll have a heck of a year."

Cont..

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/08/new_orleans_saints_defense_is_2.html

 

[Buckskin86]

SMITH UPDATE: Payton said he believes defensive end Will Smith will have to serve a four-game suspension at the beginning of the 2011 season.

Smith has declined comment on the matter.

The suspension stems from a 2008 test that caught Smith and a handful of other players using a banned diuretic, which came from a tainted over-the-counter weight loss product called StarCaps.

After years of legal wrangling and appeals, the courts in February upheld the suspensions of Smith and Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin WIlliams. Saints defensive tackle Charles Grant and running back Deuce McAllister also were involved, but both of them are out of football.

NFL spokesmen didn't respond to an e-mail this past weekend when asked about the league's stance, but even without the new collective bargaining agreement in place it seems unlikely the league would waive the suspension given the league's firm stance through years of courtroom battles.

"From the impression I have, that is what's going to happen," he said. "I think you just have to make sure you're rolling guys through (that position) and get Will the reps he needs but also make sure we're prepared if that does happen."

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/08/new_orleans_saints_wide_receiv_4.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Will Smith, Roman Harper lead New Orleans Saints charge to San Francisco quarterbacks
Published: Saturday, August 13, 2011
By Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune

If Pro Bowl players can indeed find redemption through a preseason opener, then that's what New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith and safety Roman Harper did in Friday night's 24-3 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

Smith and Harper were the two most active players in the early stages of New Orleans' assault on 49ers quarterback Alex Smith.

Smith, meanwhile, played a little heavier and a little less explosive last season. He admittedly missed out on about eight would-be sacks, finishing with 5.5. One of his most maddening performances came at San Francisco in Week 2, when he repeatedly flushed the 49ers' Smith out of the pocket but couldn't bring him down, which led to some big gains for San Francisco's offense.

This year, Smith said he came into training camp around 270 pounds. That's about 15 pounds lighter than last year, when he said he beefed up in part to be stouter against the run.

So far, the results are showing on the field. The only problem is that Smith still might be suspended for the first four games of the regular season if the NFL decides to enforce the infamous StarCaps suspensions that have been looming since 2008.

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/08/will_smith_roman_harper_get_to.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Still no word on Smith's status
Bradley Handwerger
WWL-TV Eyewitness Sports
Published: Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The New Orleans Saints have not received any word from the NFL if defensive end Will Smith will be suspended for the first four games of the season because of the StarCaps case.
The Associated Press

METAIRIE ? New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said he hasn't been notified by the NFL about whether defensive end Will Smith will be suspended for the first four games of the season or won't be.

"They have not," Payton said after Tuesday's practice. "The likelihood is you guys will know on or before I know. They have not and I'm sure at some point we'll all find out. But I've not been given any type of time table."

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20110817/WIRE/110819563?Title=Still-no-word-on-Smith-s-status

 

[Buckskin86]

New Orleans Saints' Will Smith appears poised for a big season
Published: Saturday, August 20, 2011
By John DeShazier, The Times-Picayune

Matt Schaub had better watch his back.

Michael DeMocker/The Times-Picayune
New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith caused havoc against 49ers quarterback Alex Smith from the first play in the exhition opener. Smith has lost 15 pounds and seems quicker.

In fact, if Will Smith plays tonight like he did in the New Orleans Saints' exhibition season opener against San Francisco last Friday, and keeps on playing that way, every right-handed quarterback on New Orleans' schedule -- including Schaub, Houston's starter -- would be wise to take extra precaution when it comes to Smith, the Saints' right defensive end.

No, one exhibition game isn't quite enough evidence to proclaim Smith ready to have a career season, help the Saints' defense pile up sacks at a record pace, play well enough to reach his second Pro Bowl and play a pivotal role in another Super Bowl win.

But the past suggests that when Smith looks and feels this good (he's down about 15 pounds from last season, to a svelte-ish 270), quarterbacks won't.

And if Schaub wasn't a believer, he probably became one after watching video of the Saints against San Francisco, when Smith opened the assault on 49ers quarterback Alex Smith by pouring in from the blind side and nearly separating Alex Smith from his helmet on his first pass attempt.

"They're moving us around a little bit, putting us in positions to help the defense," Will Smith said. "It has worked so far, but it was the first preseason game.

"We know, ultimately, what counts is what's done in the regular season, having all our guys healthy, having all our guys flying around and making plays and doing what we need to do."

Cont...

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/08/leaner_defensive_end_smith_app.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Will Smith still waiting to hear about his status
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on September 2, 2011

Back in late April, when the lockout was at its zaniness just before the draft, the NFL declared victory in the long-running legal battle surrounding the StarCaps case.

We thought the four-year saga was finally over, and that four-game suspensions for Kevin Williams, Pat Williams, and Will Smith were on the way. Kevin Williams said he was ?at peace? with the decision.

A report surfaced in late August that the suspensions would be reduced to two games, but that was never confirmed.

Now we?re only six days from the season opener, and uncertainty remains. What?s going on here?

Smith and the Saints have no idea. The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports the Saints are moving forward at this point like Smith will be eligible to play the Packers in Week One, but they don?t really know. They haven?t heard anything from the league, who is remaining mum.

The question of whether players will be suspended 2 games for testing positive for diurectics is likely part of the ongoing negotiations regarding a new steroids policy.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/02/will-smith-still-waiting-to-find-out-status/

 

[Buckskin86]

NFL suspends Saints DE Smith for 2 games

Will Smith #91 of the New Orleans Saints heads for the sidelines during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Louisiana Superdome on October 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Matthew Sharpe, Getty Images)


The NFL has suspended New Orleans defensive end Will Smith two games without pay and fined him an additional two game checks for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances.
Smith will begin his suspension on Saturday, September 3 and will be eligible to return to the Saints' active roster on Monday, September 19.

The Ohio State product recorded 39 tackles, 5 1/2 sacks and one interception in 15 games last season for the Saints.

In 109 career contests with New Orleans, Smith has 364 tackles, 55 sacks and two interceptions.

http://www.cbs42.com/sports/nfl/sto...Smith-for-2-games/xwVgulf9cUeHFeyI5d4zCA.cspx

 

[Buckskin86]

New Orleans Saints expect defensive end Will Smith's return this week
Published: Monday, September 19, 2011
By James Varney, The Times-Picayune

Saints Coach Sean Payton said Monday the team expects defensive end Will Smith, the team's most prolific pass rusher the past few seasons, to return some time this week. That means a player will have to be dropped from the 53-man roster to make room for Smith, a decision Payton said has not yet been made.

Smith was suspended for two games - and fined four game paychecks - for his involvement in the so-called Starcaps incident from 2008. Smith and several other players inadvertently ingested a banned substance through a dietary supplement. The suspensions sparked a long legal battle that ended earlier this year.

Payton said Smith will "apply for reinstatement," and is expected back in the fold sometime in the middle of the week. Smith, playing at a lighter weight than he did in 2010 when the Saints tried to focus on stopping the run, enjoyed a very productive training camp and preseason and, should he continue at that level, may put up numbers that earned him a 2006 trip to the Pro Bowl.

"Probably the middle of the week we'll have an idea of whose roster spot we have to replace," Payton said. "But it will be good to get a veteran player and a captain back in our lineup."

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/09/new_orleans_saints_expect_de_w.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Smith returns from suspension fresh and confident
BRETT MARTEL, AP Sports Writer
Updated Wednesday, September 21, 2011

New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith stretches during practice at their NFL football training facility in Metairie, La., Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. Smith is returning after serving a two-game suspension. Photo: Gerald Herbert / AP


METAIRIE, La. (AP) ? As pleased as Will Smith was to be back at practice on Wednesday, he seemed even happier that he no longer has to worry about the specter of a suspension that has weighed on him for three seasons.

"I'm just glad to put it behind me," said Smith, who in 2008 tested positive for a diuretic that is banned by the NFL because it can be used to mask steroid use.

"I know the coaches were always concerned about it, the fans, everyone was always concerned about it, and I'm happy that it's over with now so I don't have to worry about it and can just focus on football, focus on the Houston Texans and focus on the rest of the year."

cont...

http://www.chron.com/sports/article/Smith-returns-from-suspension-fresh-and-confident-2182605.php