New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith wasn't at all surprised to see Buffalo Bills linebacker IK Enemkpali named a captain for Thursday night's game between the AFC East rivals.
"I don't know why you guys are surprised. I really don't," Smith said after Tuesday's practice, according to Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday. "I don't think you are surprised. No one should be surprised."
Enemkpali was released by the Jets in August after fracturing Smith's jaw in a locker-room incident. He was signed by the Bills the next day, reuniting him with former Jets head coach Rex Ryan.
It was widely reported that the altercation was sparked by a $600 plane ticket Enemkpali purchased for Smith to appear at his football camp, which Smith had not repaid.
Smith refuted those reports Tuesday, telling Martin, "I didn't owe him. No. That's the biggest misconception in America.''
Smith declined to elaborate on the matter, but did say he has no ill feelings toward Enemkpali or Ryan.
"I mean, how can I feel some type of way about somebody else's decision?'' he said. "You've got to know this business. He's the Bills' head coach. I don't hate anyone. I don't hate him, I don't hate IK. It's whatever to me, honestly. It's like 'OK? Big deal.'
"I don't care who's a captain or coaching what. If there was some type of shot that was supposed to be (aimed at me), I didn't get that message.''