“I didn’t owe him,’’ Smith told Newsday, denying rumors that the he owed Enemkpali $600. “No. That’s the biggest misconception in America.''
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The punch to Smith’s face left him with a broken jaw and led to Enemkpali being kicked off the Jets’ squad.
When asked why Smith didn’t clarify the situation earlier, he said, “Because I don’t make statements. I don’t owe anybody anything.
“I’m not here to make statements about that. I’m really not. I’m more focused on football. I have a normal life that I live. I’m not worried about IK.''
The root of Smith and Enemkpali’s issue was that Enemkpali bought Smith a plane ticket to attend his football camp in July in Texas. Smith reportedly didn’t show up because of a personal matter, which led to resentment on Enemkpali’s part.
After the altercation, Jets coach Todd Bowles said Smith wasn’t “innocent” in the situation, but he didn’t deserve to be punched.
Enemkpali later signed with the Bills and was made a team captain for the Jets game on Thursday.