Bills claim linebacker who punched Smith

PITTSFORD, N.Y. » The Buffalo Bills have claimed Ikemefuna Enemkpali off of waivers from the New York Jets after the linebacker was released for breaking quarterback Geno Smith’s jaw with a punch in the team’s locker room, a person familiar with the transaction said Wednesday.

The person told The Associated Press about the move on condition of anonymity because it had not yet been announced.

Enemkpali (EN-umPAL-ee) and Smith got into a dispute Tuesday before the team’s morning walkthrough and the linebacker slugged the quarterback. Smith likely needs surgery and is sidelined for 6-10 weeks, according to coach Todd Bowles. Enemkpali was released by the team shortly after the incident.

Buffalo’s waiver claim reunites Enemkpali with coach Rex Ryan and defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman. NFL.com first reported Buffalo’s move.

Enemkpali could face discipline from the NFL under its personal conduct policy.

An NFL spokesman said Wednesday that the league is reviewing the situation. Any incident involving workplace violence that occurs off the football field falls under the NFL’s personal conduct policy. That means any team interested in signing Enemkpali, a sixth-round pick last year out of Louisiana Tech, might have to weigh a possible suspension.

Enemkpali, who had three tackles in six games last season, could also face legal charges if Smith pursues them.

“I thought it was childish, either way, and it was stupid,” Bowles said. “But we have to live with the results.”

The Jets were off from practice Wednesday as they prepare to head to Detroit for their preseason opener on Thursday night. The team will then have another day off from the practice field before returning Saturday.

The incident clearly rattled and angered many Jets players, who were stunned that something of this nature happened in their locker room.