Fred Smoot
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| Fred Smoot | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | April 17, 1979 (age 27) |
| Place of birth |  Jackson, Mississippi |
| Position(s) | Defensive back |
| College | Mississippi State |
| NFL Draft | 2001 / Round 2 |
| Statistics | |
| Team(s) | |
| 2001-2004 2005-2006 2007-present |
Washington Redskins Minnesota Vikings Washington Redskins |
Fredrick D. Smoot (born April 17, 1979 in Jackson, Mississippi) is an American football player for the Washington Redskins. He also recently played for the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. He was released on March 1, 2007 from the Vikings. On March 3, 2007, the Redskins signed Smoot[1] to a five-year deal worth $25 million.
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[edit] High school career
Fred Smoot attended Provine High School in Jackson, Mississippi. He participated in the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game in his senior year.
[edit] NFL career
Smoot was drafted by the Washington Redskins as the 14th pick (45th pick overall) in the second-round of the 2001 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State. Many believed he was a first-round caliber player but because of questionable off-the-field problems many teams shied away from him. Afterwards, he proclaimed himself to be the steal of the draft.
Following a strong season as part of the impressive Redskins defense in 2004, Smoot left the club as a free agent to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. However, he was not able to duplicate his success in Minnesota.
Smoot reportedly bulked up in the 2006 offseason. His playing weight was listed at 178 lb for the 2005 season and in May 2006 the press reported he weighed about 200 lb. He faced very stiff competition for the starting spot since the Vikings drafted cornerback Cedric Griffin in the 2nd round and cornerback Ronyell Whitaker was named All NFL Europe. In the 3rd game of the season against Chicago, Smoot sat out the opening drive reportedly for discipline reasons. Coach Brad Childress said that was between him and Smoot. In the 11th game of the season, Smoot was benched in favor of starting Griffin instead. Childress said the switch was merited in performance and Griffin had been doing an excellent job.
Smoot was cut by the Vikings on March 1, 2007 and resigned with the Washington Redskins, a move which was officially announced Sunday, March 4th.
[edit] Love Boat scandal
Smoot was at the center of the 2005 Minnesota Vikings boat cruise scandal involving several of his Minnesota Vikings' teammates. Some Vikings players had rented a boat on Lake Minnetonka and reportedly hired prostitutes to have a "sex party" on the boat. Smoot was accused of using a sex toy on two female dancers in front of crew members. Formal Charges for the Boat Scandal were filed on Dec. 15th. He was also alleged to have organized the whole party, an accusation he denied.[2]
On May 26th, 2006 Smoot pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and being a public nuisance on a watercraft in connection with the Love Boat scandal. He agreed to pay a $1,000 fine and perform 48 hours of community service. Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said, in addition to community service, he would participate in numerous service events this season. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said fines were likely, but he said Smoot won't be suspended.
On September 9, 2006, the NFL imposed a fine equivalent to one game's salary against Smoot and former Vikings teammate Bryant McKinnie for their role in the Love Boat scandal, Smoot's fine was equivalent to $82,352.
[edit] Car crash
Smoot broke his jaw in a single-vehicle crash in Mississippi on December 22, 2006, where he was spending the week. His jaw was broken in five different spots. In result he was out for the rest of the season.
