Advertisement

New York Jets teammate says Geno Smith "deserved" punch

By Alex Butler
Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware grabs the Jersey of New York Jets Geno Smith before he is sacked in the third quarter in week 6 of the NFL season at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 12, 2014. The Broncos defeated the Jets 31-17. UPI /John Angelillo
Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware grabs the Jersey of New York Jets Geno Smith before he is sacked in the third quarter in week 6 of the NFL season at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 12, 2014. The Broncos defeated the Jets 31-17. UPI /John Angelillo | License Photo

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Aug. 13 (UPI) -- With the exception of coach Todd Bowles, it doesn't seem like the New York Jets are running to the defense of Geno Smith.

Smith, who had his jaw broken after a locker room fight with IK Enemkpali, could miss up to 10 weeks of the NFL season.

Advertisement

After the fight, Bowles said Smith was "cold-cocked, sucker-punched, whatever you want to call it," according to the New York Times.

But Smith's teammates have not rushed to say the punch on their quarterback was the fault of Enemkpali.

In fact, anonymous sources, who witnessed the account, told the New York Daily News that Smith "was up in (Enemkpali's) face and pointed/touched his face." Another source said "Geno deserved it." "That'll get a man hit every time, especially one that hasn't earned respect," a source told the New York Daily News.

Advertisement

Renowned cornerback Darrelle Revis pointed his finger at both teammates.

"I hold both of them responsible," Revis told the New York Post. "At the same time, you got to move forward. There's nothing to really harp on no more. ... As a team we have to stick together."

Several sources say the dispute stemmed from Smith owing Enemkpali $600 in travel expenses.

NFL analyst Ryan Clark told ESPN's radio show Mike & Mike that Smith was being smug.

"It became about the fact that Geno wasn't necessarily apologetic and being in a way remorseful about the money when saying he was going to pay IK back and he didn't," Clark said. "He was rather smug about it."

Enemkpali apologized Thursday.

"Good afternoon,' said Enemkpali, who was picked on up waivers by the Buffalo Bills. " I want to thank everybody for being here today. I want to apologize to the Jets organization, the fans, my teammates, and the coaches. I apologize for what happened. It should have never happened. I should have walked away from the situation. It was never my intention to hurt anybody. I'm just very grateful for Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills organization, for giving me an opportunity to further my career here in 2015. I'm very grateful and thankful, and happy to be a Bill. I look forward to being a good teammate, an accountable player, and an accountable teammate to this organization. Just happy to be here, and thankful. Thank you."

Advertisement

Smith, 24, has is 446 of 810 for 25 touchdowns and 34 interceptions in 30 career games for the Jets.

Latest Headlines