Raiders QB Geno Smith issued an apology Wednesday for flipping off fans during his exit from Allegiant Stadium after Sunday’s 24-10 loss to the Browns.
The incident, captured on video that quickly spread across social media platforms, showed Smith making the obscene gesture as he headed to the locker room.
“I would like to apologize to the fans [and] Raider Nation,” Smith told reporters. “I made a poor judgment out of frustration. And that’s not an excuse. I’ve got to be better than that and hold myself to a higher standard. In that moment, I didn’t. I’m sincerely apologetic and very sorry for doing that.”
He added firmly: “I just want to make it known that those things will never happen from me again.”
The frustrated gesture came after Smith endured a brutal afternoon on the field. Cleveland’s defense sacked him 10 times in what became Las Vegas’ fifth consecutive defeat.
Raider Nation hadn’t exactly rolled out the welcome mat for Smith earlier that day, either. Fans booed the veteran signal-caller during pregame introductions.
The team didn’t let Smith’s actions slide.
“We are disappointed in his actions and have discussed the incident with Geno,” the Raiders stated to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “We hold the Raider Nation in the highest regard and take this matter seriously.”
This isn’t Smith’s first incident involving inappropriate gestures toward fans. Back in August, both Smith and star edge rusher Maxx Crosby were caught on video flipping off Seattle Seahawks fans while entering the field before their preseason matchup. That situation apparently stemmed from a fan holding a sign comparing Smith unfavorably to one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history: “Bigger Bust — Geno Or JaMarcus Russell?” Russell, selected first overall by Oakland in 2007, compiled a miserable 7-18 record as a starter before washing out of the league after just three seasons.
Similar incidents have cost players financially around the league. Lions safety Brian Branch reportedly got hit with a $10,128 fine for making an identical gesture toward Packers fans last month.
Smith’s struggles extend well beyond sideline behavior in his first Las Vegas campaign. He’s thrown for 2,367 yards with 13 touchdowns against 13 interceptions – tied for most in the league. His protection hasn’t helped matters.
The veteran has been dropped behind the line of scrimmage 41 times this season, second-worst in the NFL. Only Titans rookie Cam Ward has been sacked more frequently.
The 2-9 Raiders continue searching for answers as their season spirals further into disappointment.