Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith has publicly apologised to the team's loyal fanbase after a moment of frustration led him to make an obscene gesture towards supporters.
A Moment of Madness Captured
The incident occurred following the Raiders' disappointing 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, a match where Smith endured a career-high 10 sacks. As he left the field to jeers from an increasingly frustrated Raider Nation, video footage and subsequent photographs appeared to show Smith flipping the bird at the crowd.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Smith expressed his regret for the action. 'I would like to apologize to the fans [and] Raider Nation,' Smith stated. '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 assured fans that 'those things will never happen from me again.'
Club and Fan Backlash
The Raiders organisation swiftly condemned their quarterback's actions. In a statement to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the team said, '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.'
The response from supporters on social media was merciless. Many called for Smith to be benched, with one fan writing, 'What player flips off his own fans? Don't wanna get booed, play better.' Another tagged head coach Pete Carroll and GM Jon Spytek, stating that the loyal fanbase 'don't deserve what is being put on the field.'
A Season of Struggle in Sin City
The embarrassing incident caps a disastrous period for Smith since his trade from the Seattle Seahawks earlier this year. The loss to the Browns, where he was outshone by rival quarterback Shedeur Sanders on his first NFL start, leaves the Raiders with a dismal 2-9 record for the campaign, eliminating any hope of reaching the postseason.
Ironically, Smith's arrival in Vegas was meant to signal a new era of improvement. The Raiders also hired Pete Carroll as head coach, signed star defensive end Maxx Crosby to a new deal, and drafted running back Ashton Jeanty. Despite these moves, the team continues to struggle, leaving its passionate fanbase restless and disappointed once again.
