Geno Smith Apologizes for Flipping off Raiders Fans After Loss to Browns

Geno Smith took responsibility for his actions in the aftermath of the Raiders ninth loss of the season.

Geno Smith Apologizes for Flipping off Raiders Fans After Loss to Browns

Geno Smith flashed his middle finger at fans after Raiders lost the Browns in week 12 (Image via IMAGO/X)

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Geno Smith and the Las Vegas Raiders lost 24-10 to the Cleveland Browns. After the final whistle, Smith rushed his way into the Allegiant Stadium tunnel, not before flashing the middle finger at agitated fans.

The Raiders lost to the Browns despite being rare 4-point favorites. Rookie Shedeur Sanders took the center stage in his first-ever official start for the Browns. Even though it wasn’t a clean game, Sanders did enough to grab his first-ever NFL victory.

The fifth-round draft pick completed 55% of his passes, threw 1 touchdown, and had 1 interception. His opposite number, Smith, completed 68% of his passes and threw 1 touchdown.

Don’t be deceived by Smith’s passing numbers. He averaged 6.5 yards per throw, was sacked 10 times, and fumbled the ball twice. The Browns’ defense capped off a memorable performance on the day.

The Raiders fell to 2-9. Fans booed the players and targeted Smith at the final whistle. He returned the favor by flashing a middle finger before disappearing inside the tunnel.

Smith’s actions sparked outrage on social media from fans who demanded an apology from the veteran signal caller. The apology came on Wednesday.

I made a poor judgment out of frustration. That’s not an excuse; I’ve got to be better than that, and I’ve got to hold myself to a higher standard. In that moment, I didn’t. I’m sincerely apologetic and I’m very sorry, obviously, for doing that. I just want to make it known that those things will never happen to me again,” Smith said while speaking to reporters after practice.

Geno Smith (HT/Sports Illustrated)

Following the week 12 loss, the Raiders parted ways with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and senior offensive assistant Bob Bicknell. The front office promoted Greg Olson as the interim offensive coordinator.

Former Raiders quarterback weighed in on Geno Smith flipping fans after the Browns’ loss

Derek Carr was the QB1 for the Raiders the last time the team from Vegas played postseason football. Carr left to play for the New Orleans Saints and recently announced his retirement after suffering a devastating injury.

Geno Smith Apologizes for Flipping off Raiders Fans After Loss to Browns
Geno Smith (Image via IMAGO)

Carr came across Smith’s frustrated gesture at the fans and provided a player’s perspective on it.

I can’t support it. I don’t support it, but I can understand it. The frustration’s building. We’ve all felt that way… If it were to a Raider fan, I hope he apologises.

Derek Carr said on the “Home Grown” podcast

Carr remains a fan favourite in Vegas. Earlier this month, the Pro Bowler expressed the possibility of signing a one-day contract and retiring as a Raider.

I would love to sign a one-day contract. I would love to do that with the Raiders. I just don’t know how all that stuff works with me being under contract with the Saints and all that. We haven’t gotten to that point, and so David [Carr] keeps getting on me because I haven’t signed retirement papers.

Carr said (HT/Raidersbeat.com)

For now, Smith is the QB1 for the Raiders and could start against the Los Angeles Chargers in week 13. So far, he has thrown 235 completions for 2367 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.

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