Geno Smith looking to mend fences with fans after cursing incident
EAST RUTHERFORD (WABC) -- Geno Smith, the Quarterback for the New York Jets is looking to mend fences with the fans.
"F--- you!" Smith yelled at the fan moments after the Jets' fell 24-17 to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, making it their third straight loss.
Smith opened his news conference Sunday night by apologizing for the incident, saying his temper got the best of him.
Smith received a vote of confidence from Jets coach Rex Ryan, who said the second-year quarterback will remain the starter for next week's game at the San Diego Chargers. But the pressure is mounting on Smith, and his outburst showed that it could be affecting him.
"I want to apologize if any kid saw me saying any negative remarks walking off the field," Smith said. "I kind of let my temper get the best of me in that situation. It's part of my learning process. I have to get better with that. I have to let that stuff roll off my back, but today I didn't do well with that."
The incident brought back memories of a similar outburst by Ryan, who was fined $75,000 by the NFL for yelling a profanity at a fan as he walked off the field at halftime of a game in 2011.
According to the NFL's fine schedule, a player is subject to a fine if he uses excessive profanity or is involved in other unsportsmanlike conduct toward an opponent, game personnel or fans. A first-time offender will be fined $11,025.
