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).
Put in that context, his original quote takes on an entirely different meaning. Fans applauded Smith for clearing up the confusion.
I love Geno smith https://t.co/wwdN0qpC7l
— Landon (@LandoRisenpt2) January 26, 2024
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.