'I Said Nothing Disrespectful': De'Veon Smith Defends Himself After Chicken Salad Debacle
Former Michigan Wolverines running back De'Veon Smith was cut by the Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL.
A video was released online showing Maulers head coach Kirby Wilson informing Smith of the violation he felt occurred.
According to Sports Illustrated, "In a video showing Smith receiving the news from Wilson, it becomes clear that the violation in question stems from, as Wilson viewed it, a “disrespectful” interaction between Smith and a team staff member who was serving lunch."
Smith ran for more than 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns in four collegiate seasons with the Wolverines (2013-16).
According to Smith, he was offered chicken salad, but asked if he could have pizza instead, due to his dislike of what he was offered.
When told he could not change meals, Smith explained to Wilson that the staffer asked him whether that would be a problem, to which he replied "yes."
Smith took to social media on Monday afternoon to defend himself, after many saw the video online for the first time.
He posted, "I SAID NOTHING DISRESPECTFUL OR DID ANYTHING DISRESPECTFUL!"
Here is a sample of the reaction to Smith defending himself in the viral video.
I SAID NOTHING DISRESPECTFUL OR DID ANYTHING DISRESPECTFUL!
— De'Veon Smith (@i_BSmith4) April 18, 2022
I am not sure at all how to feel about this! @AdamRStroz Seems like that coach is a little uptight! #ChickenSaladGate pic.twitter.com/StqapaotPg
— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) April 18, 2022
Everyone supports you in this De'Veon, no need to explain yourself at all, keep your head up!
— Chillindamos (@Chillindamos1) April 18, 2022
Some of the 🤡's at @USFLMaulers on the other hand..
Pulling for you De’Veon! Hope you’re a Panther or in a satisfying pursuit of your liking SOON! Tough times don’t last, tough people do!
— Andy Scheel (@andyscheel58) April 18, 2022
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