Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll was asked about the photo of Geno Smith flipping off Seattle Seahawks fans ahead of the team’s preseason opener.
The Raiders’ head coach backed up his quarterback and also revealed the reason why Smith made the obscene gesture.
During a press conference after Sunday’s practice, reporters asked Carroll about the viral Smith photo, and this was his response.
“Did you see what the sign said? Next question,” Carroll said of Smith flipping off Seahawks fans via Nick Walters of Channel 13 News Las Vegas.
The sign that Carroll is referring to had a question written on it that read the following.
“Bigger bust – Geno or Jamarcus Russell?”
#Raiders HC Pete Carroll on Geno Smith flipping off fans in Seattle
“Did you see what the sign said?”
The sign ⬇️
Love to see a coach backing up his guys pic.twitter.com/uy9pHwCUvt
— Jesse Merrick – Silver & Black Sports Network (@JesseSBSN) August 10, 2025
Carroll supporting his quarterback is awesome to see, and Smith’s reaction to the sign has gone viral on social media over the last few days.
Obviously, Jamarcus Russell is a much bigger bust than Smith, who has revived his career and quietly been one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the sport over the last few years.
Smith could end up getting fined for making the gesture, but the Raiders quarterback likely doesn’t have any regrets.
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