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One punch has completely altered the expected path of the New York Jets’ 2015 season.
According to head coach Todd Bowles, linebacker IK Enemkpali “sucker-punched” Geno Smith in the locker room before practice on Tuesday. The third-year quarterback suffered a broken jaw and is expected to miss at least six weeks after undergoing surgery.
Here’s everything we know about the altercation and those involved:
1. Bowles Called Enemkpali the Culprit
Todd Bowles is getting a rough introduction to life as the New York Jets’ head coach. (Getty)
Bowles, who noted the altercation had nothing to do with football, said Smith got “coldcocked, sucker punched, whatever you want to call it, in the jaw” by Enemkpali.
The second-year linebacker out of Louisiana Tech was immediately released, and Bowles had little to say on that front: “We released IK and that’s pretty much the gist of it.”
2. Smith Reportedly Owed Enemkpali Money
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Although Bowles didn’t mention what exactly led to the altercation, and he did refer to Enemkpali as the culprit, sources cited by FOX Sports’ Mike Garafolo say that Smith wasn’t completely void of responsibility in the incident:
From what I was told, Smith put his finger in Enemkpali’s face during an argument and that’s what led to the punch.
Former New York Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason later sent out a Tweet suggesting Smith owed Enemkpali money:
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.
Adding to the increasing pressure towards Smith, star cornerback Darrelle Revis said “I hold them both responsible.”
Bowles mentioned the altercation was “something very childish that 6th graders could have talked about.”
3. Enemkpali Broke Smith’s Jaw in 2 Places
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ESPN’s Adam Schefter has that report:
Jets have cut LB IK Enemkpali, the player who sucker-punched QB Geno Smith, broke his jaw in two places and sidelined him 6-10 weeks.
The six-to-10 week timetable means Smith would potentially miss all of the preseason, as well as somewhere in the range of two-to-five regular season contests.
4. Enemkpali Was Arrested for Battery 5 Years Ago
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When the New York Jets selected Enemkpali in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL draft, they knew they were taking a risk on a player with character concerns.
Following his redshirt freshman season at Louisiana Tech in 2011, the Pflugerville, Texas, native was arrested and charged with disturbing the peace and battery of a police officer. It was eventually amended to simple battery in January of 2012.
“I was just being a young. [It was] a young, hot-headed decision,” he said about the incident during rookie camp last year. “I didn’t think about everything. If I knew what I know now, I would’ve gotten myself out of that situation.”
5. Ryan Fitzpatrick Will Take Over While Smith Is Sidelined
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While Geno Smith is sidelined, 32-year-old Harvard product Ryan Fitzpatrick will take over as the starting quarterback.
Fitzpatrick played quite well for the Houston Texans last season before breaking his leg in December, and he has experience playing in new Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s offense.
Some are even calling this an upgrade for the Jets:
Still, while Smith has been poor to start his career, he was impressing during training camp, and many were excited to see how he would progress under Gailey’s guidance.
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Geno Smith & IK Enemkpali Fight: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know