In the hours since his jaw was broken by a punch from IK Enemkpali, we’ve heard from Geno Smith through Instagram.
Now we’ve heard from Enemkpali as well. Enemkpali, a linebacker who was released by the Jets after the incident, issued a statement through representatives to Dennis Waszak of the Associated Press apologizing for Tuesday’s events.
“I apologize to the Jets organization, coaches, teammates and fans,” the statement reads. “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.”
A report on Tuesday afternoon from Albert Breer of NFL Media said the punch flew after a disagreement about money and Brian Costello of the New York Post is reporting that it involved $600 that Enemkpali laid out to get Smith to a charity event in Texas last month. Smith had to cancel after the death of someone close to him and Enemkpali asked for reimbursement. Smith reportedly agreed to pay, although it would seem he didn’t pay quickly enough to satisfy Enemkpali and words were exchanged before the punch that wasn’t intended to harm anyone was delivered to Smith’s face.
Jets coach Todd Bowles called the dispute “childish” and something sixth-grade kids could work out without delving into details at his first of two press conferences on Tuesday. If Costello’s report is accurate, it definitely seems like an apt description of what happened in the Jets locker room Tuesday.
