*ESPN.com has the scoop behind the sucker punch that knocked Geno Smith out of action for 6 to 10 weeks with a broken jaw.
It began with a dispute over $600, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Smith reportedly accepted a $600 plane ticket from IK Enemkpali to appear at the reserve linebacker’s football camp in Pfugerville, Texas. Smith took the money, but never showed up. Turns out, the camp took place days after someone close to Smith died in a motorcycle accident in Miami, sources told Schefter.
After Smith failed to show up, Enemkpali demanded that the Jets quarterback give back the $600. Smith told Enemkpali he would reimburse him, but had not as of Tuesday morning. Enemkpali stepped to Smith on Tuesday and the ensuing confrontation ended in a punch and broken jaw.
Enemkpali, a sixth-round pick in 2014, was cut by the team immediately, with coach Todd Bowles saying it’s up to Smith if he wants to formally press charges. The coach also said he spoke to the team and then made the decision to let go of Enemkpali.
“It was nothing to do with football. … It was very childish,” Bowles said. “He got cold-cocked … sucker-punched, whatever you want to call it, in the jaw. He’s got a broken jaw, a fractured jaw.”
“The team knows it. It’s something we don’t tolerate, something we can’t stand,” Bowles said. “You don’t walk up to a man and punch him in the face.”
Enemkpali released a statement Tuesday afternoon saying he was sorry for his actions.
“I apologize to the Jets organization, coaches, teammates and fans,” Enemkpali said. “Geno and I let our frustration get the best of us, but I should have just walked away from the situation. I deeply regret and apologize for my actions. It was never my intention to harm anyone. I appreciate the opportunity I had with the Jets.”
Smith, who was the presumptive opening day starter, will have surgery, according to Bowles. There’s no guarantee that Smith will regain the starting job when his recovery ends, Bowles said.
Veteran backup Ryan Fitzpatrick is “our starter” now, Bowles said.
“My only goal is to heal quickly and get back to playing with my teammates so I can be the best QB possible for the NY Jets,” Smith said in a statement.
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