Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith found himself in hot water following a disappointing 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns on November 23, 2023. As he jogged off the field at Allegiant Stadium, video footage appeared to show Smith making an obscene gesture towards fans who had expressed their frustration with the team’s performance.
The Raiders issued a statement later that evening addressing the incident. “The Raiders are aware of an obscene gesture made by Geno Smith towards fans following Sunday’s game at Allegiant Stadium,” the statement read. “We are disappointed in his actions and have discussed the incident with Geno. We hold the Raider Nation in the highest regard and take this matter seriously.”
Smith’s day was challenging on multiple fronts, as he was sacked a staggering ten times during the game. In the postgame press conference, he took full responsibility for the team’s fifth consecutive loss. “It’s on me,” Smith said. “I’ve got to make better plays and find a way.”
In addition to Smith’s troubles, the Raiders made headlines by parting ways with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly on the same night. Head coach Pete Carroll confirmed the decision, stating, “I spoke with Chip Kelly earlier this evening and informed him of his release as offensive coordinator of the Raiders. I would like to thank Chip for his service and wish him all the best in the future.”
Kelly, 61, later expressed his admiration for Smith and his teammates during a conversation with NFL reporter Jay Glazer. “I really loved those players. I’m a huge, huge Geno Smith fan,” he noted. “That was one of the best parts of this experience for me, working with Geno and those guys every day. But hey, we got to win. I get it.”
Despite the team’s struggles, Carroll conveyed optimism about the locker room environment. “They ain’t giving up on each other. I’m not giving up on them, and they’re not giving up on me, I hope,” he said. Raiders tight end Brock Bowers echoed this sentiment, stating, “No one here is B.S.ing and stuff. Everyone wants to win so bad, and it’s just not coming together on game day.”
Smith’s gesture towards the fans may lead to disciplinary action from the NFL. The league has a history of imposing fines for similar instances. For example, in October, Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, was fined $250,000 for a similar gesture. While Smith’s fine may not reach that amount, the NFL’s commitment to maintaining its image suggests that disciplinary measures are likely.
The incident has raised questions about the team’s dynamics and Smith’s future performance, as the Raiders currently hold a dismal record of 2-9. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds in the coming weeks.
