HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith apologized for making an obscene gesture toward fans as he left the field after a 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns 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 a poor judgment out of frustration. And that’s not an excuse. I have to be better than that and hold myself to a higher standard. At that time, I didn’t do it. I sincerely apologize and am truly sorry for doing this.
“I just want to let it be known that these things 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. Earlier, fans 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 the highest regard for Raider Nation and take this matter seriously.”
In August, Smith and Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby were filmed making an obscene gesture toward Seattle Seahawks fans as they took the field before their preseason opener. A fan appeared to taunt the players before the gestures were made by holding up a sign reading: “Bigger Bust – Geno Or JaMarcus Russell?” The then-Oakland Raiders first drafted Russell in 2007, but he went 7-18 as their starting quarterback and played only three seasons.
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was reportedly fined $10,128 for making a similar gesture toward Green Bay Packers fans in November 2024.
Smith struggled during his first season in Las Vegas. He totaled 2,367 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions – tied for a league high. He was also sacked 41 times, the second most in the NFL behind Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward.
