New York Jets QB Geno Smith Apologizes for Being 'Distraction'

While speaking to reporters from training camp, New York Jets QB Geno Smith apologized for being a "distraction" to the team. 

Smith was in the news for an incident in which a woman accused him of battery.

"I really hate the fact that something I was a part of could've been a distraction for this team, my teammates and this organization because a lot of hard work has been put in," Smith said, via ESPN. "A lot of guys have put in a lot of work for us to be in a good spot as a team. I'm happy that I'm able to put this behind me. I'm looking forward to moving forward."

Officers were summoned to Smith's home on June 21 after a woman claiming to be his ex-girlfriend called 911 and said he assaulted her. She posted a video to Instagram of a dispute with Smith, saying on camera that he "ran outside and attacked me."

No one was arrested or taken into custody at the scene.

According to the original incident report obtained by ESPN, two scratches to the right side of Smith's face were observed and he had a knot on the back of his head. The woman had a small cut along the webbing of her right hand between her thumb and pointer finger.

She also had a bruise on her left arm, but "no observable injuries to her facial area."

According to the incident report, "the inability to review surveillance footage, conflicting stories and lack of independent witnesses" prevented the determination of the primary aggressor in the altercation. The woman, who was also identified as Smith's manager, whose duties include the care of Smith's children, was trespassed from his residence.

Smith is looking to turn back the clock in his second stint with the Jets after leading the NFL in interceptions last season with the Las Vegas Raiders. Smith's best seasons in the NFL came with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 and 2023. He made the Pro Bowl in 2022 and 2023 and won the 2022 AP Comeback Player of the Year Award.

A West Virginia product, Smith enters next season with 22,168 passing yards, 124 passing touchdowns and 89 career interceptions in the NFL. His starting record is 42-56-0.

"I'm so excited, I can't describe how excited I am," Smith said.