NFL could punish Raiders stars Geno Smith, Maxx Crosby for gestures

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith and defensive end Maxx Crosby could be punished for their actions during Thursday night's preseason game. 

Per The Athletic, the two Raiders stars were caught on camera making "obscene gestures" toward fans at Lumen Field before they took the field against the Seattle Seahawks.

"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," wrote Tashan Reed. 

"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."

Smith appears to have been offended by the fan's sign that read "Bigger Bust–Geno or JaMarcus Russell?" The sign referenced Russell, who was the No. 1 pick by the Raiders in 2007. He started in 25 games in the league, but would not play again after 2009.

Although it's unclear whether the league is investigating the matter, the punishment could be a five-figure fine.

"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," Reed wrote. "A similar obscene gesture last season from the Detroit Lions’ Brian Branch resulted in a fine of $10,128."

One understands why Smith would be upset during his homecoming of sorts Thursday night. The second-round pick in the 2013 draft was considered a bust early in his career. 

Smith didn't play well until the 2022 season, when he earned the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. He earned Pro Bowl nominations for 2022 and 2023, both with the Seahawks.

Smith is nothing like Russell, as the latter was unable to make his return to the league after he asked all 32 teams to give him a shot in 2013.

The fan, or troll, seemed to succeed in getting Smith's head on Thursday night. And it might affect his and Crosby's pocketbook. 

However, Smith has shown no indication that he can't be a successful starter for the Raiders in the upcoming season, and a sign from a Seahawks fan won't change that.