NFL ref hits Seahawks' Geno Smith with great line as QB protests penalty: 'I’m talking to America here'

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NFL referee Alex Kemp went viral in the fourth quarter of a game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon with a zinger aimed at Geno Smith.

The quip came after Smith was flagged for intentional grounding. Smith dropped back to pass and fired a ball from the pocket toward the end zone with no wide receiver in the area as it appeared there was some miscommunication on offense.

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith warms up before the game against the Lions in Detroit on September 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

A flag came out and Smith was called for intentional grounding even though he wasn’t trying to throw the ball away. As Seattle head coach Pete Carroll lost his temper, Smith tried to protest the call to Smith as he was announcing the penalty.

"I’m talking to America here, excuse me," Kemp told Smith on the open mic as the veteran quarterback passed him.

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The penalty pushed the Seahawks back from the Lions' 17-yard line to the 27-yard line. Two plays later, Seattle was called for illegal formation and had to convert on a pivotal 3rd down, which they did on a pass to Tyler Lockett.

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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, left, sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith in the fourth quarter at Ford Field in Detroit on September 17, 2023. (Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports)

Two plays later, Smith hooked up with Lockett for a touchdown and Seattle took the lead, 24-21.

Seattle won the game, 37-31, in overtime.

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