Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith apologized Wednesday for flipping off Raiders fans after the team’s ninth loss of the season. Mike Stobe / Getty Images
By Sam Jane
Nov. 26, 2025Updated 6:37 pm EST
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith apologized Wednesday for flipping off fans after the team’s ninth loss, a moment emblematic of a disappointing season.
After being sacked 10 times in the Raiders’ 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Smith, 35, was captured on video making an obscene gesture toward fans as he walked off the field. The video garnered more than 100,000 views on X.
“I would like to apologize to the fans (and) Raider Nation,” Smith said. “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.”
It’s the second time this year Smith has made that gesture toward fans. During his preseason return to Seattle, where he played for five seasons, Smith gave a double-barreled salute to Seahawks fans.
“We are disappointed in his actions and have discussed the incident with Geno,” the team said in a statement to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “We hold the Raider Nation in the highest regard and take this matter seriously.”
It’s been an incredibly frustrating season for Smith and the Raiders. Las Vegas traded a third-round pick to Seattle in exchange for the quarterback in the offseason and promptly gave him a two-year extension worth a maximum of $85.5 million with $66.5 million guaranteed.
He reunited with coach Pete Carroll, whom he played for in Seattle, and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. With first-round rookie Ashton Jeanty at running back, star tight end Brock Bowers and other offseason additions, the Raiders were hailed as a potential surprise contender in the AFC.
Instead, Smith has thrown 13 interceptions — tied for a league high — and has been constantly pressured. Las Vegas fired Kelly after his offense was averaging a league-low 15 points per game.
It’s unclear if the NFL will choose to fine Smith for his actions.
Nov 26, 2025
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