Geno Smith of the Las Vegas Raiders has issued a public apology for flipping off fans who booed him following the team’s fifth consecutive loss, acknowledging it as a poor judgment call. The incident occurred during a 24-10 defeat to the Cleveland Browns, where Smith faced a challenging performance, sacked 10 times by a dominant defense led by Myles Garrett. Smith admitted that the gesture was a display of poor judgment in the moment, expressing his regret for the action and reaffirming his commitment to uphold higher standards in the future.
Smith’s apology followed a series of frustrations within the Las Vegas Raiders squad as they struggled through a difficult season. With a record of 2-9, the team recently parted ways with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, marking the second time this year that the team has faced significant setbacks. The situation escalated further when Smith, during a moment of frustration, made the middle finger gesture toward the fans, an action that has drawn criticism and calls for accountability.
Earlier this year, Smith had faced a similar incident during a preseason game in Seattle, where he made the same gesture toward a fan who held up a comparison sign to JaMarcus Russell, a former Raiders quarterback known for his failed career. This recurrence has raised concerns about the quarterback’s conduct and the broader implications for team morale and fan perception. The Raiders’ struggle has been further compounded by an upcoming schedule that includes tough matchups against the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, and Houston Texans, all of which pose significant challenges for the team’s recovery.
The Raiders’ relocation to Las Vegas in 2020 has not yielded the expected results, with the team making the playoffs only once, in 2021, and losing in the wild-card round. Last season, they went 4-13, and the recent draft pick of Ashton Jeanty, the sixth overall selection, represents hope for future success but has not translated to immediate improvements in on-field performance. The current season’s difficulties highlight the challenges the franchise continues to face, including managing expectations and maintaining fan support amidst consistent underperformance.
With the team’s future uncertain and a demanding schedule ahead, the Raiders will need to address both on-field issues and the potential impact of player conduct on team dynamics. The recent incidents involving Geno Smith underscore the importance of maintaining professionalism and accountability at the highest levels of the sport, especially when faced with the pressures of a challenging season and a passionate fan base.