Geno Smith is unlikely to file assault charges against now-former Jets linebacker IK Enemkpali for punching him in the face and fracturing his jaw, reports Metro's Kristian Dyer. The Florham Park Police Department confirmed to Metro that, as of now, no charges have been filed and that police were not called to the Jets' practice facility following the incident.
Geno Smith unlikely to file assault charges against IK Enemkpali, per report
The Jets QB has yet to file charges against his former teammate and isn’t planning to.
The incident, which occurred last week, was reportedly the result of a dispute over Smith owing Enemkpali $600. Smith is expected to miss 6-10 weeks while Enemkpali was immediately released by the Jets. He was later claimed by the Bills, where he was reunited with former Jets head coach Rex Ryan. The NFL, however, is considering disciplining Enemkpali for violation of its personal conduct policy, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Based on New Jersey statutes Smith could press charges against Enemkpali if he so desired. As outlined in detail here, an individual in the state of New Jersey is guilty of “simple assault” if there is an “attempt to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another” individual. That would seemingly apply to Enemkpali.
However, if charges were filed against Enemkpali and he was found guilty, his punishment would be a light fine, between $500 and $1,000. Enemkpali could also beat the case by proving that Smith provoked him.
For now, though, it seems that Smith is content letting things simmer down and just playing catch outside his apartment shirtless while wearing eye black.
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