IK Enemkpali suspended four games for punching Geno Smith
The NFL has suspended Bills linebacker IK Enemkpali four games for punching and breaking the jaw of Jets quarterback Geno Smith while a member of the team, according to the Associated Press.
Enemkpali is suspended without pay for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. He is currently a member of Buffalo’s practice squad after being released as part of Buffalo’s roster cuts. He played three preseason games with Buffalo after being released by the Jets in the wake of the locker room incident with Smith.
Enemkpali's athlete representation announced that he will not appeal the suspension as he released the following statement from Fox Sports 1's Mike Garafolo:
“Upon learning of the NFL's originally proposed suspension, we contacted them and requested a conference. As a result of the conference, the suspension was reduced to 4 games which will commence immediately. We have discussed all of IK's options with him and he has decided not to appeal the 4 game suspension. IK wants to put this matter behind him as quickly as possible and focus on playing football. He is very appreciative of the confidence that the Bills and Coach Ryan have shown him and does not want this matter to be a further distraction for him or his teammates. He just signed to the Bills 53 man roster and can't wait to become a productive member of the team.”
Smith is expected to miss at least the Jets’ first four games with his injury. He has no plans to file charges against his former teammate.
Buffalo opens the season Sunday against Indianapolis.
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