DAVID T. FOSTER / Charlotte Observer

Images from training camp

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith spoke to the media on Monday, three days after breaking teammate Ken Lucas' nose in a sideline fight.

WCNC sports director Greg Bailey said Smith apologized and took full responsibility for the fight. He described himself as a "fallen man" and said he will learn from his mistake.

Read a transcript of Smith's apology

Smith has been suspended for the first two regular-season games without pay for punching the Panthers' starting cornerback during a break in Friday's practice.

Smith was sent home from training camp after the incident, and did not practice Saturday. He rejoined the team Sunday night and apologized in a team meeting.

Safety Chris Harris spoke on Monday and said the team has accepted his apology and is moving forward.

Lucas also spoke on Monday. Bailey reported that the left side of his face is still badly bruised.

Lucas told reported that he needs surgery and will be out for two to three weeks.

Lucas said he has forgiven Smith. He said they have spoken and shook hands but they still need to resolve some issues before they can fully move on.

Lucas said he hopes the incident is a blessing in disguise and said he feels it's his responsibility to his teammates to forgive Smith so that the team can move forward.

Smith returned to practice on Monday. Lucas was also at the field, but did not play.

Smith will be allowed to practice and play in exhibition games before his suspension goes into effect a week before the Panthers' season opener. Smith will miss games at San Diego on Sept. 7 and the home opener against Chicago on Sept. 14, leaving Carolina without its top playmaker as it tries to end a streak of two consecutive seasons out of the playoffs.

It marks the second time Smith has been suspended for punching a teammate. He missed one game in 2002 for attacking practice-squad player Anthony Bright during a film session. Bright filed a civil suit which was eventually settled out of court, and Smith underwent counseling for anger management.

Smith and Lucas have routinely jawed at each other in practice, but never came to blows in view of reporters until Friday.

WCNC sports director Greg Bailey is at training camp today and will have a full report from Spartanburg, coming up on WCNC News at 6 p.m.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)