This guy joined the wrong sport… IK Enemkpali reportedly tagged or sucker punched teammate and up-and-coming (Roc Nation Sports) NY Jets’ QB Geno Smith, resulting in a crushing double-fracture jaw breaking injury. Enemkpali was in an involved discussion with Smith at the Jets training camp in Florham, NJ, Tuesday morning, when he unloaded the devastating blow. Here is the scenario…
Enemkpali (pic above) and Smith were supposed to attend the reserve linebacker’s football camp together in Pflugerville, Texas, on July 11, and Enemkpali fronted the $600 plane ticket fee for Smith. Smith could not attend the camp after a close friend died in a motorcycle accident. Smith agreed to pay Enemkpali back, but I assume it was taking too long for his liking with the end result. Check out dialogue from a source close to the situation and more below…
A source familiar with the situation told ESPN’s Josina Anderson that at the start of camp, Smith approached Enemkpali, sensing tension between the two. The source said Smith confronted Enemkpali, tried to diffuse the situation and offered to pay Enemkpali the $600.
The source told Anderson “Geno initially intended to attend the event out of goodwill,” adding, “Geno did not borrow $600 from [Enemkpali]. He volunteered to attend the event. Geno offered to pay the kid back from what was spent, to help him out.” – espn
Now… Geno Smith will be out for 6-10 weeks with the injury, and Enemkpali, a linebacker, was immediately kicked off the squad. I understand Enemkpali’s grief, but showed his immaturity by letting his temper get the better of him. I feel unfortunate for both parties in this matter.