Raiders QB Geno Smith apologizes for flipping off fans: 'I made a poor judgment out of frustration'

Geno Smith apologized for flipping off fans as he jogged off the field following the Las Vegas Raiders' 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12.

“First of all, I would like to apologize, obviously, to the fans, to the fan base of Raider Nation,” Smith said on Wednesday. “I made a poor judgment out of frustration, and that’s not an excuse.

“I’ve got to be better than that and I’ve got to hold myself to a higher standard. In that moment, I didn’t. I’m sincerely apologetic and very sorry, obviously, for doing that. I just want to make it known that those things will never happen for me again.”

A video circulated on social media after the game that showed Smith heading towards the tunnel after the game to a chorus of boos from fans at Allegiant Stadium. He was looking at one section of the stands and then raised his left hand and middle finger before leaving the field.

Sunday was a tough game for Smith, who was sacked 10 times by the Browns after being booed during pregame introductions. The Raiders would go on and lose their fifth game in a row to fall to 2-9 on the season.

"We are disappointed in his actions and have discussed the incident with Geno," the Raiders said in a statement, via the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "We hold the Raider Nation in the highest regard and take this matter seriously."

This isn't the first time Smith has shown his frustration toward fans this season.

In August, Smith flipped off a Seattle Seahawks fan before a preseason game who was holding a sign that read: "Bigger Bust — Geno or JaMarcus Russell?"

Raiders head coach Pete Carroll defended Smith days later, responding to a reporter who asked about the sign and whether they had seen what it said. Carroll tried to take down the sign from the fan after the interaction with Smith.

It's been a difficult first year in Las Vegas for Smith, who had a memorable three seasons with the Seahawks before being dealt to the Raiders in March. Through 11 games, the 35-year-old has thrown for 2,367 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while being sacked 41 times.