IK Enemkpali publicly apologizes for punching Geno Smith

Buffalo Bills linebacker IK Enemkpali publicly apologized for punching Geno Smith.

Newly-claimed Buffalo Bills linebacker IK Enemkpali publicly apologized Thursday for punching New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith.

Enemkpali punched Smith on Tuesday, breaking the quarterback's jaw, an injury that will sideline Smith for six to 10 weeks. He was immediately released from the team. 

According to reports, Enemkpali and Smith's altercation was the result of an unpaid $600 debt, with Smith owing Enemkpali the money for a plane ticket. 

The Bills claimed Enemkpali on Wednesday. Buffalo coach Rex Ryan was the Jets' coach when the team drafted the linebacker in 2014.

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After Bills practice Thursday, Enemkpali issued an apology: 

“I want to apologize to the Jets organization, the fans, my teammates, and the coaches. I apologize for what happened. It should have never happened,” Enemkpali said. “I should have walked away from the situation. It was never my intention to hurt anybody. I’m just very grateful for Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills organization, for giving me an opportunity to further my career here in 2015. I’m very grateful and thankful, and happy to be a Bill. I look forward to being a good teammate, an accountable player, and an accountable teammate to this organization. Just happy to be here, and thankful. Thank you.”

After the statement, Enemkpali did not take any questions from reporters.

- Rohan Nadkarni