This should have been the first time Li Wei had a direct look at Smith.
As both the first overall draft pick and the quarterback with the highest annual salary on the team, the aura surrounding Smith seemed almost blinding, naturally making it difficult to clearly see his face and eyes.
Until now.
"Alex," Li Wei tried to start, attempting to offer solace, but he was interrupted by Smith.
"Do you know, back then, no one asked for my opinion."
"They just made decisions and then informed me of a final decision, 'Hey, Alex, you've been traded. Thanks for your contribution to the team.' That was it."
"I had no say in the matter. Not at all."
In 2005, the San Francisco 49ers had chosen Smith, a quarterback from the University of Utah, with the first overall pick, and he had stayed in San Francisco for eight seasons.
