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Report: Jets' Quarterback Smith Involved In Altercation At LAX

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It's not quite the type of offseason publicity Geno Smith was looking for.

According to a report on Deadspin.com, the Jets' rookie quarterback was escorted off a Virgin America flight at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday following some kind of verbal altercation with airport employees.

Details were not immediately known, but Smith reportedly told TMZ Sports that the incident did not happen as reported and he was not removed from a plane. Smith told the tabloid he had no idea how that rumor started.

"Don't believe that, man," Smith reportedly said.

The tabloid reported it had the witnesses and statements from officials to back up the initial Deadspin report.

Smith was questioned and released by police officers without further incident, according to the reports.

Smith had an up-and-down rookie season, but did end on a high note, leading the Jets to three wins in their last four games on their way to an 8-8 record, a feat many in the media thought they'd never achieve because the 2013 season figured to be a major rebuilding project.

The second-round pick out of West Virginia threw for 3,046 yards, 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions, completing 56 percent of his passes. He also added 366 yards and six touchdowns rushing.

Despite the progress he appeared to make as the season progressed, Smith has yet to be named the starter for the 2014 season. It is believed the Jets will either acquire a veteran or draft another quarterback to make Smith earn the job.

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