Nine days ago, former Jets linebacker IK Enemkpali broke the jaw of Jets quarterback Geno Smith. The Jets cut him, but Enemkpali quickly found another home, claimed on waivers by the Bills.
Since then, the NFL has done nothing to Enemkpali, despite the clear violation of the Personal Conduct Policy, which expressly covers workplace violence.
Some have suggested that the NFL’s hands are tied because Enemkpali already has been punished by the Jets, preventing a second punishment from the league. In 2013, former Dolphins guard Richie Incognito apparently avoided an NFL-mandated suspension because he already had been suspended by the team after the Jonathan Martin incident.
But the NFL says there’s no such impediment to a league-issued punishment in this situation, and that the Enemkpali case is under review for potential discipline.
It remains unclear whether Enemkpali will be prosecuted for breaking Smith’s jaw. Even if Smith chooses not to press charges, a conviction would be easy to obtain, given that Enemkpali has essentially admitted doing what an entire locker room saw him do. Even if prosecutors decide not to pursue the matter, the NFL risks the creation of a double standard regarding domestic violence and workplace violence.
The league’s new sensitivity to domestic violence is admirable, though it nearly took the ouster of a Commissioner to make it happen. But when the violence isn’t occurring at home and when it’s not a family member or friend who is being assaulted, the NFL should still be willing to move quickly and aggressively to ensure that all players refrain from all forms of violence, other than blocking and tackling during practices and games.