Panthers address discipline after preseason melee

The Panthers want to tighten discipline after a preseason melee involving Xavier Legette against the Browns.

Canales pushes for better discipline from Xavier Legette after preseason fight

The Panthers faced the Browns in a preseason game on Friday night. Xavier Legette played the entire contest, but was ejected during the second offensive series after engaging in a fight with Browns cornerback Rayshawn Mitchell. Legette was blocking when the two exchanged blows; both players were sent to the locker room. Coach Dave Canales said he wanted to see more discipline from Legette, noting that he had his hands on Mitchell through the whistle and that the punch exchange created a disadvantage for the team.

Canales added that while the game is physical, throwing a punch cannot be tolerated and the Panthers need to avoid letting tempers drive decisions. The incident serves as a teachable moment as the team moves toward September and regular season preparations.

The episode shows how Canales treats discipline as part of the team’s competitive edge. He wants players to translate self control on the field into on-field decisions in real games, where penalties and ejections can swing outcomes. Preseason is a testing ground for talent, but it also sets expectations for character; Legette will face scrutiny, and his response could determine his role on offense. The broader lesson is that culture matters even when the scoreboard is not on the line, and leadership from coaches and veterans will be tested in public. This moment may sharpen focus on finishing plays with technique and temper, two traits that separate players who rise from those who falter.

Highlights

Discipline and accountability will be watched as the Panthers move toward the regular season.