The Pittsburgh Maulers released a statement following the release of De’Veon Smith and now the former Michigan football star is sounding off on the matter.
After there was backlash surrounding the circumstances of the release of De’Veon Smith, the Pittsburgh Maulers attempted to add more context and are now receiving even more backlash. Some of that backlash is coming from Smith himself, who is not at all pleased with a statement made by the Maulers.
In the statement, the Maulers claim that Smith had broken multiple team rules within a short period of time. The Maulers also allege that Smith was disrespectful to a member of the cafeteria staff, which is part of what led to his dismissal.
Pittsburgh Maulers statement on De’Veon Smith being cut from the the team on ‘United by Football’. pic.twitter.com/OHmj2vuQTo
— Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) April 18, 2022
However, Smith is contesting the matter. According to him, he didn’t break any rules.
What rules did I break? Now your lying on my name????? Say less https://t.co/NsfnidUZoe
— De'Veon Smith (@i_BSmith4) April 18, 2022
Michigan football: Former Wolveirnes star De’Veon Smith reacts to statement from USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers
Here is the moment that Smith was cut from the team. The video has been circulating on social media and has been widely discussed by many.
While it is likely a condensed version of the situation and almost certainly does not fully explain the matter, you can hear both Smith and the Maulers head coach Kirby Wilson discuss the matter and explain their respective perspectives within this clip.
Bro got cut by a USFL team for ordering pizza instead of a chicken salad??? lmaoooo pic.twitter.com/Vo7n7HD0PU
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) April 18, 2022
This is an absolute mess that probably won’t be easily mitigated any time soon. There’s no doubt that the Maulers, their social media and public relations team and their head coach will continue to get negative reactions for the way this situation has unfolded.
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