As first reported by Marc Whiteman of WYFF News 4, Carolina Panthers wideout Shi Smith has been arrested for the unlawful carrying of a handgun as well as drug possession. The arrest occurred in Union County, S.C., Smith’s hometown, on Friday.
Smith was drafted by the Panthers in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft. Born and raised in Union, the receiver moved up north to Charlotte this past season following fours years at the University of South Carolina.
Mostly inactive throughout his rookie campaign, Smith was primarily used on special teams over his six career games to this point. As a pass catcher, he hauled in six of 11 targets for 104 yards.
Smith is now the second Panther to run into legal trouble this offseason, with tight end Ian Thomas having been posed with five misdemeanor charges last month following a July 2021 arrest for attempting to evade police.
