Former New York Jets linebacker IK Enemkpali and the team’s quarterback, Geno Smith, got into an altercation in a locker room on Tuesday, resulting in a broken jaw for Smith. He could be out of action for six to 10 weeks, according to reporting from ESPN.
Enemkpali was released from the team shortly after the incident and could face criminal charges. Smith reportedly antagonized Enemkpali by putting a finger in his face.
The fight reportedly was over a $600 debt that Smith owed to Enemkpali. According to a report from Nj.com, there have been rumors that it was the result of gambling. Former Jets kicker Jay Feely took to social media to say, “the training camp card games claim another victim.”
Later, unnamed sources told ESPN that Smith owed his former teammate money from a plane ticket that Enemkpali had bought him. Smith allegedly wasn’t paying up. Regardless of where the debt came from, Enemkpali has apologized for the incident.
“I apologize to the Jets organization, coaches, teammates and fans,” Enemkpali said in a statement. “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.”
It seems reasonable to think further action could be taken by the league if it was over gambling, as the NFL has a notoriously strong anti-gambling stance.
