Washington Commanders Broadcaster Fred Smoot Arrested on Civil Misdemeanor Charge

By John Keim, ESPN Staff Writer

Published: Aug 11, 2023, 04:18 PM ET

Introduction

Fred Smoot, a member of the Washington Commanders’ broadcast team, has been arrested on a civil misdemeanor charge of “failure to comply with a support obligation,” according to the Loudoun County (Va.) Sheriff’s department. Smoot turned himself in Thursday morning.

Smoot’s Role and Suspension

Smoot, who played for Washington and Minnesota during his nine-year career, serves as a postgame analyst on the Commanders’ game-day broadcast. He also appears on their in-house programs but is not a full-time employee of the organization. Smoot will not be on the air after Friday’s preseason game vs. Cleveland, according to a source.

The Commanders declined comment. TMZ first reported news of his arrest.

Past Incidents

In 2005, Smoot was involved in the “Love Boat” scandal while playing for the Vikings. He and several other Vikings hired prostitutes for a sex party on a boat. There were allegations of lewd behavior and disorderly conduct on the boat. Smoot later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges.

In 2013, he received six months of probation after pleading guilty to driving under the influence. A year later he was charged with domestic violence, but a judge later found him not guilty. He’s also been cited for numerous traffic violations.

Smoot’s Career

Smoot played for Washington from 2001 to 2004 and again 2007-09. He spent two years in between playing for Minnesota. Overall, Smoot played 129 games and intercepted 21 passes.

Recent Controversy

Earlier this summer, local radio personality Don Geronimo was fired from the Commanders’ radio partner, WBIG-FM, for comments he made on air about a local TV reporter while broadcasting from the facility.