CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Mike Tolbert's exit from the Carolina Panthers in February wasn’t exactly smooth.
Based on what the 31-year-old Buffalo Bills running back said during Wednesday’s conference call in preparation for Sunday’s game at Carolina, the word "deteriorated" -- as in his skills have deteriorated -- was used.
But as Tolbert reminded, his 12 carries for 42 yards and a touchdown in Buffalo’s 21-12 season-opening victory over the New York Jets "don’t seem deteriorated at all, does it?"
Tolbert didn’t mention any names, but the decision to release him with a year left on his contract was made by Dave Gettleman, who was fired as Carolina’s general manager a week before training camp.