Steve Smith backpedals from Jerry Jeudy blowup, spotlights 'biggest problem' in media

Following a pregame blowup with Denver Broncos wideout Jerry Jeudy, former All-Pro WR Steve Smith tried to ease tensions while highlighting an important issue regarding how the media sometimes portrays black athletes. 

"One of the biggest problems we have in the media, especially as a young Black man, is sometimes, Black-on-Black crime," Smith said on NFL Network. "I'm not going to participate in that. I'm not going to engage where the national media can see two young African-American men acting like we ain't got no sense."

Smith had been critical of Jeudy in the past, and before the Broncos battled the Kansas City Chiefs on "Thursday Night Football," the two had a heated argument. Smith then ripped Jeudy to shreds on live television, calling him a "third-tier" wideout. 

After some reflection, Smith seemed to understand the gravity of their childish back and forth. While he admitted that he would have loved the scrappiness as a player, at 44 years old, he needed to set a better example. 

"I wanted to talk to him. He didn't like it, so we move on," Smith said. "But, one, I'm not going to lose my job, and two, I'm not going to disrespect my family by showing I have not matured and handle my business the way I should handle my business."

Jeudy's side of the tale remains untold, but it's nice to see Smith seemingly understand that he probably went a bit overboard when he destroyed the young receiver for all the world to see.

Hopefully, when given the chance, Jeudy will respond similarly. If so, maybe everyone can move forward, coming out of the unfortunate incident better instead of worse.