The Bills are willing to carry IK Enemkpali on their 53-man roster during his four-game suspension for punching Geno Smith in the face.
But it was nearly a longer suspension than that.
Via Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports, the Bills outside linebacker’s representatives said the four-game ban was a something of a compromise, and they won’t appeal.
“Upon learning of the NFL’s originally proposed suspension, we contacted them and requested a conference,” the statement read. “As a result of the conference, the suspension was reduced to four games which will commence immediately.
“We have discussed all of IK’s options with him and he has decided not to appeal the four-game suspension. IK wants to put this matter behind him as quickly as possible and focus on playing football. He is very appreciative of the confidence that the Bills and Coach [Rex] Ryan have shown him and does not want this matter to be a further distraction for him or his teammates. He just signed to the Bills 53-man roster and can’t wait to become a productive member of the team.”
Coupled with the hours-long investigation of Headsetgate, the league is doing some swift investigative work lately by getting Enemkpali’s case settled before Smith even returns to the field from the broken jaw administered by his former teammate.