We may now know the full story behind why former New York Jets linebacker IK Enemkpali punched quarterback Geno Smith, breaking his jaw in two places and sending Smith, the de facto starter in New York, to the sideline for the next six to 10 weeks. From ESPN's Adam Schefter...
"At the heart of the dispute between former Jets LB IK Enemkpali and quarterback Geno Smith is $600 that Enemkpali believed Smith owed him, per league sources. Enemkpali purchased a plane ticket for Smith to attend his July 11 football camp at Pfugerville High School in Pfugerville, Texas. However, days before the camp, a person close to Smith was killed in a motorcycle accident in Miami and Smith did not attend Enemkpali's camp, per sources. After Smith did not attend, Enemkpali demanded that the Jets' quarterback refund him the $600 he allegedly used to purchase a plane ticket. Smith told Enemkpali he would reimburse him the money, but he did not. Enkempali confronted Smith today about the money and the confrontation ended in a punch and broken jaw."
NFL analyst Boomer Esiason had indicated earlier Tuesday, after news of the altercation first broke, that the dispute which led to the fight concerned money. Now, thanks to Schefter, we potentially know a little more.
Does it make it any more palatable or paint the Jets in a more positive light? Nope and nope.
Smith has since taken to his Instagram account to promise Jets fans he'll be back soon. The team, on the other hand, is reportedly looking into other quarterbacking options.
Enemkpali has issued a statement apologizing for the incident.
Statement from IK Enemkpali pic.twitter.com/jFcFggUv17
— Conor Orr (@ConorOrr) August 11, 2015
