Geno Smith wasted no time clarifying his comment that caused a buzz on social media Friday.
According to ESPN’s David Newton, Smith was asked about the Carolina Panthers’ decision to hire Dave Canales as their new head coach. He’s one of a record nine minority head coaches currently in the league.
“I don’t find it encouraging at all. It’s 2024. Why are we still talking about minorities?’’ Smith said.
That quote can be interpreted a couple of different ways, and some of the comments on X/Twitter were unflattering to Smith. The veteran quickly got out in front of the narrative by responding to Newton’s original tweet.
“To clarify — I’m not moved or encouraged by a few more minorities having jobs that they are more than qualified for,” Smith wrote. “True equality means that the conversation is no longer being had, based on the fact that we are all being given equal opportunity (which we are not).
To clarify – I’m not moved or encouraged by a few more minorities having jobs that they are more than qualified for.. true equality means that the conversation is no longer being had, based on the fact that we are all being given equal opportunity (which we are not). https://t.co/CwPqt3dcE0
— Geno (@GenoSmith3) January 26, 2024
Put in that context, his original quote takes on an entirely different meaning. Fans applauded Smith for clearing up the confusion.
Please always remember that headlines and taglines are specifically crafted to grab attention, and often stretch or misconstrue the original point.
Good on Geno. https://t.co/pd8BXrLZIx
— Rick Judd (@rickjudd21) January 26, 2024
In the time that Geno Smith has been the starting QB for the Seahawks, we’ve come to learn that he’s incredibly thoughtful and well-spoken and I’m just here to amplify that because that is not how he’s often been portrayed. https://t.co/d2gvTbfjMA
— alexSSN (@alexSSN) January 26, 2024
Much respect Geno! 🤝🏽 https://t.co/vUthR6FOw0
— Lo™️ (@Made4Moore) January 26, 2024
I love Geno smith https://t.co/wwdN0qpC7l
— Landon (@LandoRisenpt2) January 26, 2024
