The Buffalo Bills’ roster cut on Friday included at least one interesting name. The team released defensive end IK Enemkpali, who made headlines last month for punching New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith while he was still with that team.
According to ESPN, Enemkpali and 14 other players were released today as the Bills try to hit the 53-man roster limit. They still have to make some cuts before the 4 p.m. Saturday deadline.
The Bills also released backup quarterback Matt Sims. Cornerback Leodis McKelvin was put on the reserve/non-football injury list and will be out for at least the first six weeks of the 2015 season.
Enemkpali, who finished the preseason with 11 tackles and played in all four games, was released by the Jets after he punched Smith in the jaw during an altercation, reportedly over money. Smith will end up sitting out at least six weeks because of the injury. Ryan, who drafted Enemkpali, picked him up the day after the Jets cut him.
After the fight, Enemkpali apologized for his actions, notes USA Today. While he didn’t confirm what the fight was over, he said he should have walked away.
The Bills’ 2015 season kicks off at home against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 13.