'I Said Nothing Disrespectful': De'Veon Smith Defends Himself After Chicken Salad Debacle

Was De'Veon Smith wrongfully cut from the Pittsburgh Maulers?

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. 

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!