(Note: If obscene gestures make you uncomfortable, you might as well leave this article.)
Reception for former Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith on Thursday night was anywhere from muted to positive. The current Las Vegas Raiders signal-caller played the opening series of the game before checking out for the rest of the evening’s 23-23 tie.
As Smith led the Raiders out of the visiting tunnel, Getty Images photographer Steph Chambers captured the moment Geno flipped both middle fingers toward a fan.
If you want some more context, check out the second photo to see who those birds are directed toward.
What might have prompted Smith to go for the double flip? Maybe this is a hint. We don’t know if there were any accompanying words exchanged.
The sign the fan in question is holding says “Bigger bust: Geno or JaMarcus Russell?” which is just utterly provocative and stupid. But he had a sequel after the game as Geno signed autographs for Raiders and Seahawks fans.
“Did I hurt Geno the Lil’ Lady’s feelings?” the sign read.
I won’t pretend I know this fan but I know others who do, and the responses suggest that he’s just a troll of the highest order.
It’s possible both Crosby and Smith get fined for this behavior, but I doubt they’re losing sleep given their respective salaries.
Could Smith have shown restraint and ignored this fan? Sure. But that would’ve been boring and then I wouldn’t get to write this up. I laughed. I’m sure this comments section will be extremely normal about this. Besides, as Seahawks fans we are hugely accustomed to middle finger incidents, but usually they’re wearing a Seahawks uniform and they’re doing it to the coaching staff…