I'm calling it the punch heard around the NFL, and this one could cost a young player his career.

The sports channels are showing a lot of reports from various NFL summer camps. Some of the footage shows a few heated arguments between players on the field, with a few result in some pushing, shoving, and even a few punches to the face masks. This would probably do more harm to the fist of the puncher. Ouch!

Yesterday one disagreement moved from the team scrimmage to the team locker room, and the results will leave the New York Jets without their star quarterback for at least half the upcoming season.

The altercation between the Jets 2014 sixth round draft pick IK Enemkpali, and starting quarterback Geno Smith, resulted in a sucker punch that broke Smith's jaw, and cost Enemkpali his job.

The confrontation was about $600 for a plane ticket that was given to Smith so that he could attend Enemkpali's football camp. Apparently Smith has some personal matters that kept him from attending.

Smith intended on reimbursing Enemkpali, but apparently it wasn't quick enough because the Jets reserve linebacker sucker punched Smith in the Jets locker room.

Enemkpali was immediately released by the team. Jets coach Todd Bowles said they do not tolerate that kind of behavior, and left it up to Smith in regards to pressing charges of assault.

I just don't get how these guys can throw an opportunity like playing in the NFL away.

Gino Smith will miss 6 to 10 weeks,  IK Enemkpali is fired, and may never be able to live his dream of playing professional football. And oh yeah, Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the Jets starting quarterback.

Well, good luck, Jets fans.

 

More From 99.1 The Whale