Geno Smith fined $12K by NFL

ByJane McManus ESPN logo
Friday, October 3, 2014

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith was fined $12,000 by the NFL for shouting an obscenity at a fan after last week's loss to the Lions at MetLife Stadium.

Jets coach Rex Ryan said Friday that Smith could possibly face additional discipline from the team, although no decision had been made.

"We'll handle it the way we see appropriate," Ryan said.

"F--- you!" Smith yelled at the fan moments after the Jets' 24-17 loss to the Detroit Lions last Sunday.

Smith, who said earlier this week that he expected to get fined, was not made available for comment by the Jets on Friday.

"I'm aware that my actions [were] not right, so I am subject to a fine," Smith said earlier this week. "Whatever the ramifications will be, I will accept it."

Sheldon Richardson, who has been fined twice in his two-year career, said he told Smith "Welcome to the NFL" after hearing the fine was levied.

"I said, 'You're the first person in awhile who got a non-physical fine,'" Richardson said.

Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Johnny Manziel was fined $12,000 this year for flipping the bird to the Washington Redskins' sideline during a preseason game.

Smith wasn't the only player from Sunday's game to be fined. Lions safety James Ihedigbo was fined $16,537 for a hit on Smith.

Since Smith's ill-considered epithet, the quarterback has faced concerns about holding up to the pressure of a 1-3 season. On Monday, the offense had a players-only meeting to discuss the losing, and Smith addressed his turnovers with the team.

On Wednesday, Smith got testy when asked about the Jets using backup Michael Vick to provide a "spark."

"It doesn't make sense," Smith said. "What team do you see doing that?"

The Jets are beginning a difficult three-game stretch against San Diego, Denver and New England.

Other notable fines handed down Friday included two members of the Chargers. Left tackle King Dunlap was fined $8,268 for unnecessary roughness. San Diego safety Eric Weddle received a $22,050 fine for unnecessary roughness, striking a defenseless player in the head and neck area.

Related Video