Rex Ryan: Naming IK Enemkpali Captain Vs. Jets Not Meant To Be 'A Slap In Anybody's Face'
BUFFALO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Rex Ryan says he's surprised by the reaction to his decision to name defensive end IK Enemkpali a team captain when their Bills face their former team, the Jets, this week.
Enemkpali, of course, is the former Jet who got into an altercation with quarterback Geno Smith in August. Smith allegedly owed Enemkpali money, and Enemkpali punched the QB in the face, breaking his jaw. New York waived Enemkpali that day. The Bills then claimed him.
Some viewed Ryan's move to name Enemkpali a captain as an attempt to rile up the Jets. But the eccentric coach said Tuesday he routinely chooses players as captains when they face their former teams.
"You guys know how I do the captains," he said. "If this was an isolated deal where I just threw a guy out there, then I can understand it. But this is what we do every single week.
"It's not a slap in anybody's face. It's not a sign of disrespect. It's just what we do," the coach added.
The 5-3 Jets host 4-4 Buffalo at 8:25 p.m. Thursday.