Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith publicly apologized Wednesday for an inappropriate gesture directed toward fans following Sunday’s 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium. Video of the incident, showing Smith making a gesture as he left the field, quickly spread across social media platforms.
The apology comes as the Raiders have struggled this season, falling to a 2-9 record with their fifth consecutive defeat. Smith’s actions and subsequent apology highlight the intense scrutiny NFL players face and the importance of maintaining professional conduct, even in moments of frustration. The incident underscores the team’s commitment to its fanbase, known as “Raider Nation,” and sets the expectation for improved behavior from its players moving forward.
“I would like to apologize to the fans and Raider Nation,” Smith stated, according to ESPN’s Ryan mcfadden. “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, “I just want to make it known that those things will never happen from me again.”
The team also addressed the situation, issuing a statement to the Las Vegas Review-Journal expressing their disappointment. “We are disappointed in his actions and have discussed the incident with Geno,” the statement read. “We hold the Raider Nation in the highest regard and take this matter seriously.”
Sunday’s game saw the Browns’ defense pressure Smith relentlessly, recording 10 sacks. Through 11 games this season,Smith has completed 2,367 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions,while being sacked 41 times. This incident follows a preseason exchange with a Seattle Seahawks fan who compared him to former Raiders quarterback JaMarcus russell, a comparison Coach Pete Carroll defended at the time. Though, the Raiders association did not offer similar support following Sunday’s gesture.
