Jets lose QB Smith to sucker punch
Geno Smith’s hopes for a breakout season with the New York Jets took a major blow — to the jaw.
The quarterback will be sidelined at least 6-10 weeks with a broken jaw after being punched by teammate Ikemefuna Enemkpali in the locker room yesterday morning. Smith, entering his third season, will require surgery to repair the injuries.
“It had nothing to do with football,” coach Todd Bowles said. “It was something very childish, and he got cold-cocked, suckerpunched — whatever you want to call it — in the jaw.”
Bowles made the stunning announcement in an impromptu news conference before training camp practice was scheduled to start. Enemkpali, an outside linebacker in his second season, was immediately released by the Jets.
“It was something very childish, that sixthgraders could have talked about,” Bowles said. “It had no reason for happening.”
Smith will be sidelined for the rest of the summer and likely for the first few games of the season. The regular-season opener is at home against Cleveland on Sept. 13.
Smith took to Instagram and posted a picture of himself sitting in a car — mouth closed and looking stern — and a simple message: “ILL BE BACK.”
In a statement issued to The Associated Press by his agent, Enemkpali apologized to the team and fans.
“Geno and I let our frustration get the best of us, but I should have just walked away from the situation,” Enemkpali said. “I deeply regret and apologize for my actions. It was never my intention to harm anyone. I appreciate the opportunity I had with the Jets.”
Newton: No regrets
Cam Newton is defending his role in a scuffle with Carolina Panthers teammate Josh Norman that put the star quarterback at risk of unnecessarily getting injured.
Newton said he would do it again.
“I have no regrets of things that I’ve done,” Newton said. “It’s been whispered about ‘franchise quarterback doing this or doing that.’ What’s the blueprint of a franchise quarterback? Leading your team. I’m not going to let anyone dictate how I play.” . . .
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers shrugged off a scuffle between two players during practice, calling it a typical training camp dustup.
No punches were thrown when offensive tackle Demar Dotson and defensive end George Johnson tussled briefly after getting tangled up on a 9-on-7 running drill.
Cardinal suspended
Arizona Cardinals starting right tackle Bobby Massie has been suspended for three games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Also, Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd says he has no timetable for his return from surgery to repair his dislocated fingers but hopes he’s back for the season opener. . . .
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed kicker Garrett Hartley after Shaun Suisham injured his left knee in a preseason loss to Minnesota on Sunday night.
LA on docket
NFL owners met in suburban Chicago to hear more about moving at least one team to the Los Angeles market. The Chargers and Raiders are proposing a stadium in Carson, and the Rams are looking to build a facility in Inglewood.
Commissioner Roger Goodell said he anticipates the league will decide on a relocation fee this fall.