New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith’s jaw broken by teammate

THE New York Jets lost quarterback Geno Smith for six to 10 weeks after he was “sucker-punched” by a teammate — you won’t believe why the fight occurred.

FILE - AUGUST 11, 2015: It was reported that quarterback Geno Smith of the New York Jets has two fractures in his jaw after a locker-room altercation with reserve linebacker IK Enemkpali August 11, 2015. He will be out 6-10 weeks. EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 28: Geno Smith #7 of the New York Jets reacts in the fourth quarter of their 24 to 17 loss to the Detroit Lions at MetLife Stadium on September 28, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ron Antonelli/Getty Images)

THE Jets lost quarterback Geno Smith for six to 10 weeks after he was “sucker-punched” by teammate IK Enemkpali on Tuesday morning in the locker room.

Smith suffered a broken jaw and had to undergo surgery. He will be gone for the start of the Jets season.

The problem between Smith and Enemkpali stemmed from expenses for a charity event Enemkpali hosted in July, according to a source.

Ikemefuna Enemkpali (51) has been released by the Jets, according to Bowles.

Smith was scheduled to appear, but was forced to back out at the last minute following the death of someone close to him. Enemkpali was upset over Smith’s absence, and asked Smith to reimburse him for the travel expenses — a flight and limo adding up to $600. Smith, who pulls in approximately $1.25 million annually, agreed, but he still had not paid up when the two exchanged words this morning.

The confrontation led to Enemkpali throwing a punch. Smith did not retaliate. He said something to the effect of “not here” and left the locker room.

“It’s something we don’t tolerate,” Jets coach Todd Bowles said. “It’s something we can’t stand. You don’t walk up to another man and punch him in the face.”

Enemkpali, a linebacker drafted in the sixth round of the 2014 draft, was immediately released by the team.

This Jet-On-Jet violence must stop. It's an epidemic now. #GenoSmith pic.twitter.com/w2yFrButDH

— nascarcasm (@nascarcasm) August 11, 2015

“I apologise to the Jets organisation, coaches, teammates and fans,” Enemkpali said in a statement released by his agent. “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 apologise for my actions. It was never my intention to harm anyone. I appreciate the opportunity I had with the Jets.”

Bowles did not go into the nature of the argument, but called it “childish” and said it was not football-related.

“

Geno Smith got voted the worst QB in the NFL, booed by his own fans during practice and punched in the face. The preseason hasn't started.

— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzESPN) August 11, 2015

It was something very childish that sixth-graders could have talked about,” Bowles said.

The Jets have three other quarterbacks on the roster: Ryan Fitzpatrick, along with rookies Bryce Petty and Jake Heaps. Fitzpatrick will get first crack at being the starter, but Bowles said the Jets could add another quarterback. Multiple reports later Tuesday cited the Jets’ interest in journeyman Rex Grossman.

On Smith’s recovery timetable, Bowles said: “Depending on how surgery goes, we’ll see where we go from there.”

Smith released a statement, via ESPN: “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.”

Earlier, he had posted a selfie to Instagram — it’s unclear whether the photo is from before or after the incident — with the message: “I’ll be back.”

In college IK Enemkpali was convicted of battery on a police officer. Jets drafted him anyway, but cut him for battery on a quarterback.

— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) August 11, 2015

Originally published as New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith’s jaw broken by teammate