Though he has every right to do so, Geno Smith will reportedly not file charges against former New York Jets teammate after IK Enemkpali broke his jaw in a locker-room dispute.
This report comes by way of Kristian Dyer of Metro:
“The source indicated to Metro that Smith is unlikely to pursue charges at this time and likely won’t. It is unclear if the reason for the Jets quarterback not filing on the incident has anything to do with his perceived role in the fight or rather his willingness to let the incident simmer down.”
Dyer also notes that the Florham Park Police Department has confirmed no charges have been filed. Additionally, it confirmed that the police were not called in following the dispute in the locker room.
As many are aware by now, Enemkpali reportedly punched Smith in the face over a $600 plane ticket after Smith couldn’t make it to a charity event Enemkpali was hosting. There have been many variations of the story told through various “sources,” but there is no disputing the fact that Smith’s jaw was broken, leading to a 6-10 week recovery that includes his jaw being wired shut.
Smith likely won’t press charges because he knows what kind of problem that might be for his already delicate image within NFL circles. It’s been insinuated by many that he deserved to be punched, and the locker room in New York hasn’t exactly been behind him in the matter.
Perhaps Smith feels that by refusing to seek legal recourse, he’ll earn the respect that he needs to lead an NFL franchise.