The Jets previously had no position on whether former linebacker IK Enemkpali should face criminal charges for breaking the law of quarterback Geno Smith. Their position possibly has now changed with the news that the Bills have claimed Enemkpali’s rights via waivers.
Enemkpali committed a crime, plain and simple. And while Smith’s position on whether charges should be pursued will be a factor, the Florham Park Police Department and the Morris County District Attorney will make the final call. If it appears that Enemkpali isn’t getting a specific brand of justice via exile from the NFL, the powers-that-be may be more inclined to exercise discretion in a way that could see him prosecuted for breaking Smith’s jaw in two places.
The NFL has a say in this, too. If the new Personal Conduct Policy is going to have any credibility, it must encompass workplace violence as well as domestic violence. And Enemkpali committed a blatant act of workplace violence on Tuesday.
So the end result could be that the Bills will be paying Enemkpali while he’s on paid leave, until the prosecution (if any) ends or the NFL decides how long to suspend him without pay.