The NFL has spoken regarding the things spoken by Jets quarterback Geno Smith to the fan base on Sunday against the Falcons. The NFL also will be taking some cash out of Smith’s pocket.
PFT has confirmed that Smith was fined $12,000 for shouting “f--k you” twice toward the stands at the end of Sunday’s loss to the Lions.
It’s the same fine that was imposed on Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel in the preseason for flashing a middle finger at the Washington sideline. While the intended recipients were different, the reasoning for the penalty is the same -- ensuring that players treat everyone with respect.
It’s not often that quarterbacks find themselves in this type of situation. Eight years ago, Mike Vick fired off a middle finger to the home crowd in Atlanta following a loss. He was fined $10,000 and made a $10,000 donation to charity. Former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer was fined $5,000 for a nonchalant, no-look middle finger to a heckler in 2004.
And then there’s this. And, well, this.