Smedts post stated that he was 'driving back to Warrnambool for Christmas' and showed him with both hands off the wheel while taking the photo.
Smedts has assured the club that the photo was in fact staged, and was he was stationary and not driving while the image was taken.
Nonetheless the club and Smedts understand that the his actions did not send the correct message to the public.
"I understand that in taking and posting this image that it sends a poor and irresponsible message and I'm sorry for causing that," Smedts said.
"Road safety is something that is critical and should be taken seriously at all times. Christmas time is a particularly vulnerable time of the year, and even though I wasn't driving at the time and it was a staged shot, people seeing the photo could have thought it was real and wanted to copy it. That would be dangerous and could easily cause an accident.
Cats CEO Brian Cook said he understands why the image has caused consternation.
"We take road safety seriously and like many others are disappointed that this image was taken and posted," Cook said.
"We will continue to educate our players and staff on the importance of road safety. We will further discuss this matter, however it will not be concluded until our player leadership group and playing list returns in early January."
