Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith and edge rusher Maxx Crosby were caught on camera making obscene gestures toward Seattle Seahawks fans on Thursday night as they took the field before their preseason game at Lumen Field.
In photos and videos that have circulated on social media and from the Getty Images wire photo service, a fan appeared to make a gesture and say something toward Smith, who played five seasons in Seattle, as the Raiders waited outside their tunnel to take the field. Smith responded by holding up both of his middle fingers toward the fan before running onto the field. Crosby also made the same gesture while running onto the field.
The fan was holding a sign that read “Bigger Bust — Geno Or Jamarcus Russell?” It was a reference to Russell, the former Raiders quarterback whose career quickly flamed out after he was selected with the No. 1 pick in 2007. Smith was a second-round pick in 2013 by the New York Jets who, after serving as a starter his first two NFL seasons, had to wait seven years before becoming a full-time starter again, this time with Seattle.
A Raiders team spokesperson declined to comment. It’s unclear whether the NFL is looking into the matter as the league did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A similar obscene gesture last season from the Detroit Lions’ Brian Branch resulted in a fine of $10,128.
Smith played for the Seahawks from 2019 to 2024. It was his first time taking on his former team since they traded him to the Raiders for a third-round pick this offseason. Smith played four snaps before being subbed out for the rest of the game.
The game also marked coach Pete Carroll’s first time taking on the Seahawks since the franchise let him go following the 2023 season. The contest ended in a 23-23 tie.
(Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
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