HENDERSON, Nevada — Las Vegas Raiders defender Geno Smith apologized for making an obscene gesture toward fans as he walked off the field after the team's 24-10 loss. Cleveland Browns on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.
Videos of Smith's actions circulated on social media after the game.
“I would like to apologize to the fans. [and] Raider Nation,” Smith said Wednesday. “I made the wrong decision out of frustration. And this is not an excuse. I have to be better than that and hold myself to higher standards. I didn't do it at that moment. I sincerely apologize and really regret doing this.
“I just want everyone to know that things like this will never happen to me again.”
Smith was sacked 10 times in the Raiders' fifth straight loss, dropping them to 2–9 on the season. Fans previously booed the veteran QB during pregame introductions.
“We are disappointed in his actions and have discussed the incident with Geno,” the team said in a statement to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “We have great respect for the Raider Nation and take this issue seriously.”
In August, the Smith and Raiders defensive line Max Crosby were caught on video making an obscene gesture towards Seattle Seahawks fans entering the field before the first pre-season match. One fan appeared to taunt the players before they began gesticulating while holding a sign that read: “Big bust – Geno or JaMarcus Russell?” The then-Oakland Raiders drafted Russell first in 2007, but he went 7-18 as their starting quarterback and played just three seasons.
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was reportedly fined $10,128 for a similar gesture towards Green Bay Packers fans in November 2024.
Smith struggled in his first season in Las Vegas. He threw for 2,367 yards, 13 touchdowns and a league-high 13 interceptions. He's also been sacked 41 times, second most in the NFL behind Titans rookie defenseman Cam Ward.
