New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith told reporters on Tuesday that he never owed IK Enemkpali money, and called reports that a $600 debt led to the former Jets linebacker punching Smith "the biggest misconception in America.''
Geno Smith shoots down reports that IK Enemkpali punch was due to money
Smith elected not to tell his side of the story of his fight with Enemkpali, but said it’s a misconception that he owed the linebacker money.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Smith was asked about his feud with Enemkpali after Rex Ryan named the linebacker a team captain for the Bills for a Week 10 game against the Jets. A locker room fight between the two players in August left Smith with a broken jaw and resulted in the release of Enemkpali, although he was claimed by the Bills a few days later.
While Smith denied that he ever owed Enemkpali money, he chose not to tell his side of the story of what led to the dispute, electing instead to leave the past in the past. Via Kimberly Martin of Newsday:
“It’s nothing that has to be explained. The story’s already written,” Smith said. “I’m not here to make statements about that. I’m really not. I’m more focused on football. I have a normal life that I live. I’m not worried about IK.”
Smith is currently the backup for Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Jets in 2015. Smith was forced into action against the Oakland Raiders in Week 8 when Fitzpatrick suffered a thumb injury and completed 27 of 42 passes for 265 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
On Tuesday, Smith said Enemkpali being named captain wasn’t surprising to him and wasn’t something he took personally.
: Geno Smith said he doesn't take it personal that IK Enemkpali is the #Bills captain (cc: @NewsdaySports) #jets pic.twitter.com/HbtPwLk3Pl
— Kimberley A. Martin (@KMart_LI) November 10, 2015 Enemkpali has appeared in just three games for the Bills this season and recorded two tackles against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9, his only two tackles of the season.
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