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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Smith Eager To Concentrate Solely On Game

John Clayton Tacoma News Tribune

Wide receiver Brian Blades isn’t the only Seattle Seahawk who may have to play this season reflecting upon personal tragedy and the worries of a possible trial date after the season.

Second-year halfback Lamar Smith has the same concerns. He was the driver in the one-car accident in which teammate Mike Frier suffered paralyzing injuries last December. Smith faces a Jan. 8 court date on a charge of vehicular assault.

For the next six months, Smith and Blades, who has been cited on a manslaughter charge in connection with the shooting death of his cousin, Charles Blades, will try to put aside the agonizing memories and the uncertain future. Saturday, first-year coach Dennis Erickson will ask them to put on shoulder pads and helmets and focus on football.

“It’s time to take care of business, and right now my business is the Seattle Seahawks and this football team,” Smith said. “I can just fully concentrate on football.”

This was Smith’s first interview since the Dec.1 accident. Much has happened since then. Frier, though still paralyzed, is progressing well in his rehabilitation.

The trial had been scheduled to begin next Monday, but the King County prosecutors office needed more time to talk to witnesses. By the time Superior Court Judge Linda Lau juggled court dates, she postponed the trial to January, giving Smith a chance to play his second season instead of spending the weeks during training camp listening to testimony of his teammates and expert witnesses.

Asked about the case, Smith said, “I can’t say anything about the accident. That’s been the legal advice from my counsel, Alan Ressler.”“Right now, I’m not dealing with it,” Smith said. “Right now, I’m dealing with football, and that’s what is on my mind right now.”

Smith has been wondering when he would be able to concentrate on football alone. First, he had to deal with the emotions of knowing a friend - Frier - had been paralyzed in his car.

“In the first few months, it was tough for me because of what happened to Mike and it was tough,” Smith said.

The thoughts of Frier interrupted those words and caused him to tell reporters, “I’d rather not talk about it.”