Seahawks’ Geno Smith: ‘I don’t see any problems’ with ongoing DUI case
Geno Smith doesn’t believe his ongoing legal issue is going to impact the Seahawks’ quarterback situation this season.
Smith was arrested in early January by the Washington State Patrol for allegedly driving 96 mph in a 60-mph zone in suburban Bellevue. WSP arrested the 31-year-old quarterback early on Jan. 10 for suspicion of driving under the influence, hours after he and the Seahawks returned from their win at Arizona that ended last season. He was briefly jailed then released on $1,000 bail seven hours after his arrest.
Five months later, King County prosecutor’s office is awaiting blood-test results from the night in question to come back from the State Patrol Crime Lab before making a charging decision. The lab reportedly has been working through a long backlog of cases.
Meanwhile, Smith has been Seattle’s first-string quarterback in offseason practices the last three weeks. Smith, Russell Wilson’s backup the last three seasons, is in a competition with former Denver Broncos starter Drew Lock to replace Wilson as the Seahawks’ starter for 2022. Seattle acquired Lock in March as part of the massive trade of Wilson to the Broncos.
Lock has been the second quarterback so far in the Seahawks’ organized team activities and three-day veteran minicamp that was to end Thursday.
Wednesday, The News Tribune asked Smith what happened that night after he and the team returned from the 2021 season finale, and where his legal process stands five months later.
“Those things will be worked out,” Smith said, “but I’m extremely confident in all of those things. Those things, they have a timeline, and they have to be worked out.
“But I don’t see anything, any problems.”
According to the WSP’s arrest report, a state trooper “detected a strong odor of intoxicants and observed the driver had bloodshot, watery eyes.” Smith told the trooper he had some wine earlier in the night but had stopped drinking 90 minutes before he was stopped.
Smith declined to take a preliminary breath test at the site of his arrest. A judge issued a search warrant to draw Smith’s blood. Smith was taken to a hospital where he reportedly became agitated before the blood draw, even with a Seahawks’ director of team security who had arrived in an attempt to calm Smith, according to the arrest report. The report stated restraints were needed to subdue Smith.
Smith’s attorney Jon Fox issued a statement the day of his client’s arrest. It said Smith was cooperating with investigators.
“I hope that an open mind can be kept by all as the facts are ascertained,” Fox said.
The Seahawks re-signed Smith this offseason, since the arrest for suspicion of DUI, for one year. The contract includes incentive and performance clauses that could earn Smith up to $7 million if he wins the starting-quarterback job and performs well.
Coach Pete Carroll said at the NFL’s scouting combine in early March he and the team anticipated Smith’s legal proceeding will not affect the QB’s or Seattle’s season.
