Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith and edge rusher Maxx Crosby caused a stir on Thursday when they were caught on camera making an obscene gesture toward Seattle Seahawks fans. The incident occurred during warm-ups before a preseason game, with Smith responding to a taunt from a fan holding a sign that read, "Bigger Bust — Geno or JaMarcus Russell?"
The gesture, which involved Smith flipping off the fan, quickly went viral, sparking a wave of criticism on social media. The tension between players and fans reached its peak when Crosby also directed an obscene gesture at the same group of Seahawks supporters.
Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels addressed the situation after the game, expressing his frustration with the actions of his players.
"We expect our players to maintain professionalism at all times, on and off the field," McDaniels said. "While I understand the emotions of the game, there’s no excuse for behavior like that. It’s important to represent the Raiders and the NFL with respect, no matter the situation."
McDaniels acknowledged that the pressure of preseason games, combined with hostile environments, can lead to heightened emotions, but stressed that the team must handle these situations with more maturity.
"We have a strong culture here, and part of that culture is handling adversity with composure," McDaniels continued. "Geno and Maxx are both valuable leaders for this team, but we can’t afford to let those moments overshadow what we’re trying to build."
Both Smith and Crosby later apologized for their actions, with Smith saying, "I lost my cool for a second, and I shouldn’t have. It’s part of the game, but I need to do better in handling those situations."
As the Raiders look ahead to their next preseason matchup, McDaniels has made it clear that the team will be focusing on discipline and maintaining a professional image moving forward. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of staying composed, regardless of the circumstances.
