Pete Carroll Remains Unbothered by Geno Smith Flipping Middle Fingers Towards Fan in Preseason Game

Pete Carroll hinted that Geno Smith's reaction to fan's heckling was natural and he will not hold his quarterback accountable for his actions.

Pete Carroll Remains Unbothered by Geno Smith Flipping Middle Fingers Towards Fan in Preseason Game

Geno Smith and Pete Carroll (Image via IMAGO)

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Pete Carroll is one individual who understands Geno Smith better than most. So when a fan tried to rile Smith upon his return to Seattle, the veteran head coach did not mind his response. In fact, Carroll chose to support his quarterback.

Earlier this week, Carroll led the Las Vegas Raiders into his old stomping ground, Lumen Field, for a preseason fixture against the Seattle Seahawks. It also marked the return of Geno Smith, but as the opposing quarterback.

A fan had the bright idea of mocking the 34-year-old with a sign. Smith lost his cool and made an obscene gesture toward the fan.

Later, reporters asked coach Carroll to comment on Smith’s actions. “Did you see what the sign said?,” asked Carroll and moved towards the next question.

The sign read, “Bigger bust—Geno or JaMarcus Russell?”

Smith may be a calm dude, but even he has a tipping point. The officials missed the incident; otherwise, he would have received a penalty like CeeDee Lamb. There’s still a chance that he might get one if the NFL finds him breaking the league’s code of conduct.

Smith only played a handful of snaps before passing the quarterback duty to Aidan O’Connell, who transferred it to rookie Cam Miller. The Raiders would go on to draw the game 23-23, but Carroll found the outing educational.

I was with my team, and we were battling. It was cool to be here. I loved it here. I’ve always loved the whole experience that we had here all those years together. I don’t forget that. I don’t disrespect that one bit. But it didn’t translate to something crazy to me. It was just an opportunity to play in a great setting.

Pete Carroll said via Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal

Pete Carroll shares a deep connection with Geno Smith

Everyone reckoned that Carroll, 73, called time on his coaching career after ending his 15-year stint with the Seahawks in 2023. He surprised the football fraternity by agreeing to coach the Raiders.

Pete Carroll Remains Unbothered by Geno Smith Flipping Middle Fingers Towards Fan in Preseason Game
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (Image via IMAGO)

When he penned the new contract, analysts speculated a reunion with his former Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson, was on the cards until he signed with the New York Giants.

Carroll, in fact, pursued Smith over Wilson because there was unfinished business to attend to. It was Carroll who brought Smith to Seattle as Wilson’s backup. After Wilson’s departure, Carroll made Smith the starter, and he repaid him with Pro Bowl-caliber seasons.

So, signing for the Raiders was a no-brainer for Smith.

We got great history together. We did some pretty good things in Seattle together. I was with him for all of five years. He helped me turn my career around. Obviously, Seattle gave me an opportunity. Just the type of coach he is, he’s legendary. Who wouldn’t want to play for Pete Carroll? I grew up watching him, idolizing him. All of this is a dream come true for me.

Geno Smith said after signing a two-year deal with the Raiders

Smith currently earns $37.4 million a year and has been tasked to lead the Raiders to their first playoff qualification since 2021.

The result of the first game wasn’t on their bingo card, but the Raiders can make amends in their final two preseason games. In their next game, they host the San Francisco 49ers before facing the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale.

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