Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith sparked controversy following a 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns on November 23, 2023. As Smith jogged off the field at Allegiant Stadium, he appeared to direct an obscene gesture toward fans who had voiced their dissatisfaction with the team’s performance. Video footage of the incident has since circulated widely on social media.
In response to the incident, the Raiders released a statement expressing disappointment with Smith’s behavior. “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.”
The game itself proved challenging for Smith, who was sacked an alarming ten times. Despite the loss, he took responsibility for the team’s fifth consecutive defeat, stating, “It’s on me. I’ve got to make better plays and find a way,” during the postgame press conference.
Coaching Changes Loom Amid Struggles
The Raiders’ difficulties extend beyond Smith’s performance. The franchise announced the firing of first-year offensive coordinator Chip Kelly later that same evening. 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.”
After the announcement, Kelly expressed his admiration for Smith, highlighting their collaborative experience. “I really loved those players. I’m a huge, huge Geno Smith fan,” he told NFL reporter Jay Glazer. “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 their current record of 2-9, Carroll conveyed optimism regarding the team’s spirit in the locker room. “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. His sentiments were echoed by Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, who emphasized the team’s desire to succeed. “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.”
Potential Consequences for Smith
Smith’s gesture could lead to disciplinary action from the NFL, which has a history of penalizing players for inappropriate conduct toward fans. In October, the league fined Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones $250,000 for a similar incident. While Smith’s fine is unlikely to reach that amount, the league’s reputation is a priority, and such behavior from a quarterback could draw scrutiny.
The incident also coincides with another moment of controversy in the league, as Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, appeared to make a similar gesture toward ESPN cameras prior to a game against the Chicago Bears. As the NFL navigates these issues, it remains to be seen how they will respond to Smith’s actions.
As the Raiders look to regroup after a tumultuous week, the focus will shift to how the team can turn around their season in the remaining games, starting with their next matchup.
