Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith and edge rusher Maxx Crosby made headlines Thursday night with an obscene gesture aimed at a Seattle Seahawks fan during Week One of the NFL Preseason. Smith, who spent six seasons with the Silver & Blue — including three as their starting quarterback — was traded to the Raiders in the offseason. Now reunited with former head coach Pete Carroll, who is in his first year leading the Raiders, the tension between Smith and his former team’s fanbase was on full display.
Before the game, Smith was caught on camera flipping off a fan holding a pretty dumb sign that read: “Bigger Bust — Geno or Jamarcus Russell?” The infamous comparison references Jamarcus Russell, the Raiders’ 2007 No. 1 overall pick who started just 25 games in three seasons before his NFL career fizzled. Smith, drafted in the second round by the Jets in 2013, spent two seasons in New York before waiting seven years to become a full-time starter again when he took over for Russell Wilson in Seattle.
Crosby, known for his fiery demeanor on the field, matched Smith’s gesture as he ran onto the field in Seattle. Both players only saw limited action Thursday — Smith took four snaps, while Crosby played nine — but their actions off the stat sheet sparked plenty of reactions. With the NFL’s strict policies on player conduct, both Smith and Crosby face potential fines for their obscene gestures. This follows a similar penalty last season when Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch lost over $10,000 for shooting birds at spectators as well.
The preseason game also marked an emotional reunion between Smith and Carroll, who joined Las Vegas in the offseason. Carroll, who coached Smith for six years during his time in Seattle, played a role in bringing the former WVU product—whom he was familiar with—to lead the team in his first year as head coach. As they work to build a new winning culture in Sin City, the drama on the field and in the stands adds extra intrigue to what’s shaping up to be a pivotal season for Smith, Crosby, and the Raiders.