UPDATE: We now know the alleged reason that Geno Smith suffered such a brutal blow to his face, his jaw was broken, and he will be forced to miss anywhere from 6-10 weeks of the season.
$600.
That’s right. According to ESPN, Ememkpai bought Smith a $600 plane ticket to appear in his football camp, which Smith was a no-show too. After demanding that Smith reimburse him to no avail, the confrontation ensued.
ORIGINAL STORY: According to Jets head coach Todd Bowles, swingman Ryan Fitzpatrick is the starting quarterback, and there’s no guarantee Smith will be given his job back following his recovery.
New York Jets starting quarterback Geno Smith will miss 6-10 weeks because of a broken jaw. Smith has broke his jaw during an altercation Ik Ememkpai that took place in the locker. Rich Cimini, who covers the Jets for ESPN, reports that Geno was “sucker punched” in the locker room.
Breaking: Geno Smith out 6-10 weeks with broken jaw, per Bowles. He was “sucker-punched” by LB IK Enemkpali this AM in locker room. #NYJ
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 11, 2015
Linebacker Ik Ememkpai was immediately cut by the Jets.
Geno Smith will have surgery, per Bowles. Enemkpali released by team. Bowles just made stunning announcement in briefing w/ press. #NYJ
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 11, 2015
According to Mike Garafolo of Fox’s Sports, the situation escalated after Geno put a finger in Ememkpai face.
From what I was told, Smith put his finger in Enemkpali’s face during an argument and that’s what led to the punch.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 11, 2015
Things could have gotten much worse for Geno Smith. With a new coaching staff coming in, Smith had to make a good impression to not only keep his starting job, but also convince them that he is the quarterback of the future for this team. The Jets will now turn to veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (or, potentially, 4th round draft pick Bryce Petty) for the first half of the season.
King Jut (@KingJut92)
