I.K. Enemkpali Released by the Jets For Breaking Geno Smith's Jaw

What did Geno Smith do to piss off backup linebacker IK Enemkpali? That’s unknown for now, but you know the story will leak in a few hours and it’ll be juicy. You don’t just sucker punch somebody for no reason, especially when a) you’re trying to make the team and earn playing time and b) you’re taking a shot at the team’s QB.

Enemkpali is a 2nd year linebacker out of Louisiana Tech – or should I say was a 2nd year LB; the Jets released him right after the incident – who actually was having a good training camp so far. There’s this, from Scout last week:

During 1-on-1 blocking, pass rushing drills against offensive linemen early in camp, Enemkpali made a mockery of just about anyone that stepped in front of him. He used a battery of movies that included the spin, swim and bull rush to get past nearly everyone. He caught the eye of his teammates, and brought cheers from the crowd in attendance. Even Jets coach Todd Bowles took notice.

“He’s strong and he’s got a good pass rush,” Bowles said. “He’s still learning the new scheme as far as when to drop and when not to drop, and certain things like that. But we know he can rush the passer.”

For a team that might be without star defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson all season following an ugly offseason arrest, and with 34-year old Calvin Pryor showing up every 4th game, Enemkpali really had a chance to play more than he did as a rookie (six games). Not to mention that new coach Todd Bowles likes to rotate in a lot of players defensively, like he did in Arizona.

Ah, Jets. Never a dull moment.