CHARLOTTE, N. Fake Lakers Jerseys .C. -- The Steve Smith era in Carolina is over. The Panthers released their all-time leading receiver on Thursday after 13 seasons. Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said it "was not an easy decision" in a press release. "Steve has been one of the NFLs finest receivers for over a decade and has been the face of the franchise for a large part of the teams history," Gettleman said. "As a team, we made a step forward last year; however we are also a team in transition, which is a part of the NFL." Smith said on radio Thursday hes not angry about the decision. "Its devastating to hear that you are getting fired, but its also exciting because that frees me up to be pursued by other teams," Smith told Taylor Zarzour of SiriusXMs Bleacher Report Radio." I have never become a free agent before so I will get a few free dinners out of it at some nice expensive restaurants. I want to enjoy the experience that, frankly, I will never experience again." Smith reiterated he wants to play in the NFL and that being released "awoke a sleeping giant" inside of him. The decision comes one day after Smiths agent, Derrick Fox, told The Associated Press that the 13-year NFL veteran "is not going to play for the Panthers next year, I know that." Fox said the Panthers never asked Smith, who turns 35 in May, to restructure his current contract. The Panthers were unable to trade Smith, who was set to cost $7 million under this years salary cap. The Panthers still owe Smith $3 million this season. The decision has not been a popular one among Carolina fans. Gettleman addressed that in his press release. "When I took this position I knew that difficult decisions would have to be made along the way," Gettleman said. "To move on from a storied veteran player is probably the most difficult of all. A decision not to be taken lightly. However, after much thought I feel very strongly its the right one." "As Ive stated many times, all decisions I make will be in the long-term best interest of the Carolina Panthers. Decisions, either popular or unpopular, have to be made for the greater good and it is imperative to take an unemotional global view. Sometimes it may appear that short term interests will suffer, and I can assure you we have no interest in taking a step back from our 2013 accomplishments." The Panthers also lost wide receivers Domenik Hixon and Ted Ginn Jr. to free agency on Thursday. Hixon signed with the Chicago Bears and Ginn with the Arizona Cardinals. Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn told The Associated Press he has signed with the Minnesota Vikings for a deal that could pay him $15 million over three years with incentives. One possible replacement at wide receiver is free agent Hakeem Nicks, a Charlotte native who played for New York Giants. The Smith move marks the end of an era for the Panthers. Smith joined the team as a third-round draft pick out of Utah in 2001. He made an immediate impact in the NFL, returning the opening kickoff of the season for a touchdown against the Vikings. He became the first Panthers rookie selected to the Pro Bowl, earning that honour as a return specialist. Known for his feisty behaviour on the field, Smith became a dominant receiver over the next 12 seasons. He is Carolinas all-time leader with 75 total touchdowns and has 836 receptions for 12,197 yards. "On the football field Steve had a competitive arrogance that (was) second to none -- second to none," said former Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme in a telephone interview. "That helped him be as good as he was. He made other guys step up their game. But off the field he was totally different. He loves his wife and his family. Hes a genuinely good person with a great heart." Panthers coach Ron Rivera said in the release: "He is a great competitor with Hall of Fame-worthy statistics and has made a great contribution to our community." Fox said Smith would have welcomed a chance to move inside to slot receiver, but the team never offered him that opportunity. As productive as Smith was, his fiery personality often rubbed people the wrong way, and some viewed him as a distraction in the locker room. Smith had run-ins with teammates on at least two occasions. He punched out fellow wide receiver Anthony Bright in a film room fight and later socked cornerback Ken Lucas on the field during a practice at training camp in Spartanburg, S.C. On both occasions, Smith was suspended by the team. Delhomme said that was a "humbling experience" for Smith, who apologized to Lucas and the teams fans after the incident. Despite the two incidents, Smith was immensely popular with the fan base, in large part due to his production on the field. He also worked hard to change his public image over the last several years and has been an active member of the Charlotte community. When asked if he was surprised Smith was released, Delhomme said, "It does surprise, but thats the NFL. I mean, look, Peyton Manning plays for the Denver Broncos -- that the way it goes." NOTES: Panthers backup quarterback Derek Anderson announced Thursday on Twitter he has re-signed with Carolina for a fourth season. Anderson tweeted: "Happy to be coming back to Charlotte next season!" Lakers Jerseys China .com) - Mike Conley scored 20 points with five assists to help the Memphis Grizzlies remain unbeaten with a 91-89 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. Los Angeles Lakers Shirts .com) - Many people at Eastern Washington are waiting to see if star quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. https://www.lakersjerseycheap.com/ . Rodriguez, who has steadfastly denied using banned substances while with the New York Yankees, made the decision nearly four weeks after arbitrator Fredric Horowitz largely upheld the discipline issued last summer by baseball Commissioner Bud Selig. "I think its a good move for him," former Commissioner Fay Vincent said.BROOKLYN, NY -- On the Toronto Raptors bus ride to practise Saturday, talk wasnt about the upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets. It centred around the Los Angeles Clippers and owner Donald Sterling. The NBA is investigating a report of an audio recording in which a man identified as Sterling tells his girlfriend not to bring black people to games. "Guys more than anything are saying, Something has to addressed, something has to be said," said Raptors forward Steve Novak, who spent two seasons (2008-10) with the Clippers. The league said it is in the process of authenticating the validity of the recording posted on TMZs website. In the recording, the man questions his girlfriends association with minorities. TMZ reported the woman, V. Stiviano, who is of black and Mexican descent, posted a picture of herself with Lakers Hall of Famer Magic Johnson on Instagram -- which has since been removed. "Theres definitely not a place for it in the NBA, in this game," Novak said. "What makes it so strange is hes been an NBA owner for that many years (33), hes not someone who isnt associated with African Americans, someone whos benefited that much from African Americans. . . theyve been such a positive part of his life. "Sometimes theres very successful people who arent very good people," Novak added about the American business magnate. The man in the recording asked Stiviano not to broadcast her association with black people or bring black people to games. He specifically mentioned Magic Johnson on the recording, saying "dont bring him to my games, OK?" "I will never go to a Clippers game again as long as Donald Sterling is the owner," Johnson responded on Twitter. He also said the alleged comments are "a black eye for the NBA" and felt bad that friends such as Clippers coach Doc Rivers and point-guard Chris Paul had to work for Sterling. "I dont blame him. I wouldnt either," DeMar DeRozan said of Johnsons decision to boycott games. DeRozan, who grew up in Compton just south of downtown Los Angeles, said he felt for the Clippers players, who lead their Western Conference playoff series against Golden State 2-1. "Honestly, especially right now in the playoffs, theyre trying to win their series so its going to be interesting to see (how the players handle the situation),&quuot; DeRozan said. Wholesale Lakers Jerseys. Landry Fields added: "Right now theyre kind of in a tough position. Theres still playoffs to be played. But it is sad that now this has become an issue rather than Clipper basketball." DeRozan was asked if he could play for an owner like Sterling. "I dont know man, I dont know. I dont know," the all-star said with a shake of his head. "Me personally, I dont stand for nothing like that. It would be tough, itd be tough." Added Raptors coach Dwane Casey: "If its true, its a sad commentary on our society . . . on our society as a whole, being an African American myself." Novak said the allegations are no surprise, players have known about previous discrimination cases against Sterling. He said the NBA must take action. "I think its personal to each and every guy," Novak said. "More than anything I dont think the league can sit back and say it didnt happen, if it did. "Theres no way that should be tolerated. I dont think in any workplace in the world you can speak that way about anybody, and in our league especially." New NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a press conference before the Grizzlies playoff game in Memphis that the audio is "disturbing and offensive." "All members of the NBA family should be afforded due process and a fair opportunity to present their side of any controversy, which is why Im not yet prepared to discuss any potential sanctions against Donald Sterling," Silver said. "We will, however, move extraordinarily quickly in our investigation." Novak added its a huge black eye to the NBA ownership group. "The owners in the NBA are such an impressive group of people," he said. "Look at all the owners and what theyve done, and all the good things that they do, and so for something like that to come out, to be grouped as an NBA owner type-thing is unfortunate." Sterling has been involved in several lawsuits over the years. Novak played for the Clippers when the owner was sued by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2009. Sterling agreed to pay US$2.73 million to settle allegations by the government that he refused to rent apartments to Hispanics and blacks and to families with children. Sterling is the longest-tenured owner in the NBA since Lakers owner Jerry Buss died last year. ' ' '