Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Geno Smith Cleared of DUI Charges
RENTON, Wash. — Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will not face charges in connection with his 2022 arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), according to a spokesperson from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor also declined to charge Smith with reckless driving due to insufficient evidence.
Smith’s blood-alcohol concentration was found to be .038, which is less than half the legal limit in Washington State of .08. Additionally, his THC concentration was 2.6, well below the legal limit of 5.
The arrest took place on January 10, 2022, shortly after the Seahawks’ season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Smith was initially stopped for driving 96 mph in a 60 mph zone and driving erratically across several lanes of traffic.
During the stop, the state trooper detected an odor of intoxicants and observed that Smith had bloodshot, watery eyes. A judge issued a search warrant for a blood draw after Smith declined to take a preliminary breath test. Smith became agitated during the process, and restraints were used to complete the blood draw.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office stated that they did not have evidence to rebut likely explanations for Smith’s behavior. While it was clear that Smith had consumed alcohol and marijuana, there was no evidence to show exactly how these substances affected his ability to drive. As a result, a reasonable doubt existed as to whether his driving was affected by alcohol or marijuana.
The office also noted that they could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Smith was disregarding the safety of people or property on the road, despite evidence of his speeding and briefly traveling out of his lane.
The delay in charging Smith was due to a backlog with blood tests at the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab. Smith’s test results were not provided to prosecutors until April. The prosecutor’s office acknowledged that there might be litigation related to the handling of his blood samples, as they were stored in a refrigerator that failed.
At the time of his arrest, Smith was serving as Russell Wilson’s backup. He urged the public to withhold judgment in a tweet following the arrest. Smith went on to have a successful season, earning a Pro Bowl nod and leading the Seahawks to a wild-card berth. The team rewarded him with a three-year, $75 million contract in March.
In other Seahawks news, running back Zach Charbonnet returned to practice after missing four sessions due to a shoulder injury. He is expected to play in Friday’s scrimmage. However, starting running back Kenneth Walker III remains sidelined with a groin injury. Outside linebacker Darrell Taylor also missed practice due to a sprained shoulder, but surgery is not required.
The resolution of Geno Smith’s legal situation is a relief for both him and the Seattle Seahawks. With the charges dropped, Smith can focus on his role as the team’s starting quarterback and continue to build on his successful 2022 season. The Seahawks can move forward with confidence in their decision to sign Smith to a long-term contract. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, they can now shift their attention to on-field matters and strive for another playoff run.