The Fight Might Have Erupted Because Geno Smith Owed IK Enemkpali (picture) a $600 Gambling Debt
The New York Jets locker room fight which ended in a broken jaw may have been provoked by a gambling debt, according to an article by NJ.com. The article quotes Jets field goal kicker Jay Feely, who tweeted, “The training camp card games claim another victim.”
What is known is there was a debt of $600 owed by Geno Smith to IK Enemkpali. Feely says that money was a gambling debt, while the Jets released a different version of the story in which Geno Smith owed the other player $600 for a plane ticket to that player’s football camp.
Todd Bowles Said It Was Childish
Head coach Todd Bowles would not say why the fight ensued, but he did say it was a childish altercation. Bowles said in a press conference, “It’s something very childish, something that sixth graders could have talked about. It had no reason happening and if they want to tell you what happened, they can tell you what happened, but I told them I wouldn’t say anything about it, so I’ll keep it there.”
Several others with connections to the New York Jets have commented on the fight, including a former quarterback who also suggested it might have been over gambling. The incident left Jets’ starting quarterback Geno Smith with a broken jaw. The injury is expected to cost him 6 to 10 weeks of recovery, which would leave Geno Smith out somewhere between 2 and 6 regular season games.
IK Enemkpali
The other player involved in the altercation, 2nd-year linebacker IK Enemkpali, was waived by the team almost immediately after the fight. Enemkpali was drafted in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL Draft, while Geno Smith was a high round pick still expected to lead the franchise. IK Enemkpali has a history of violence. One reason he was drafted so low was his assault of an off-duty police officer during a bar brawl.
Rex Ryan’s Antics
Enemkpali was claimed off of waivers by Buffalo Bills, who are now coached by the man who coached the linebacker when he was drafted: Rex Ryan. Rex Ryan is thought to have been a supporter of Enemkpali during his one year with the team. Rex Ryan certainly had issues with Geno Smith, who struggled while Ryan was fighting for his job. To exacerbate the situation, New York newspapers widely speculated that Ryan had been ordered to start Geno Smith by GM John Izdik in the latter stages of 2014. Izdik lost his job in the offseason, too.
When the Bills claimed Enemkpali through the waiver process, many Jets fans and some Jets media member felt it was an attempt by the old coach to send one last shot across the bow of the Jets. Whatever the case, the team is something of a laughingstock, even among respected former members.
Boomer Esiason Speaks
For instance, former Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason weighed in with his opinion, as he often does, saying, “Bottom line if you owe somebody money pay your debt. Don’t be surprised if you get punched in the face if you don’t.”
NFL Network reporter Albert Breer confirmed the fight was over money. Breer tweeted, “According to a source, the Geno Smith/IK Enemkpali fight in the Jets locker room was indeed over money.”
Criminal Charges Are Possible
This might not be the end of the controversy. ESPN speculated that criminal charges might be filed, if Geno Smith decides to press charges. Given the macho nature of an NFL locker room, it is probably less likely that Smith would file charges than if he were in a typical workplace.
If Todd Bowles version of the story is correct, though, then Geno Smith might decide to file charges anyway. The coach said Smith’s jaw was broken by a “sucker punch”. Other reports suggested the two had a fight. What is consistent is the two argued over the debt, Geno Smith put his finger in the linebacker’s face, and the linebacker broke Smith’s jaw with a punch. What is disputed is whether Geno Smith was looking away at the moment the punch was thrown, or whether the two were scuffling.
Enemkpali’s Statement
IK Enemkpali appears to be in damage control mode. He released a statement which read, “I apologize to the Jets organization, coaches, teammates and fans. 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.”
Those who watch Hard Knocks probably know that gambling is common in NFL locker rooms. The players spend a lot of time in the facility and many franchises have players who enjoy the pasttime. The 1990s Dallas Cowboys played dominoes for money. Others no doubt play cards.
