Jets receiver Quincy Enunwa suspended 4 games for 2014 domestic violence incident
Dom Cosentino | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
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on October 19, 2015 at 3:45 PM, updated October 19, 2015 at 4:22 PM
The NFL on Monday suspended Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa for four games for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
According to a person familiar with the situation, Enunwa's suspension stems from his August 2014 arrest on a domestic violence simple assault charge that was dismissed two months later in Florham Park municipal court. That person spoke to NJ Advance Media on condition of anonymity.
Enunwa's suspension begins immediately. He will not be eligible to return to the Jets' active roster until Friday, Nov. 13, the day after their Week 10 game at home against the Bills.
In a statement, the Jets said, "We support and respect the NFL's decision to suspend Quincy Enunwa. The New York Jets share the NFL's ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the frequency and impact of domestic and relationship violence, supporting survivors, and encouraging others to speak out and seek help."
Last year, in the wake of its mishandling of the Ray Rice case, the NFL established a protocol that mandates a six-game suspension for a first offense related to domestic violence. That protocol falls under the league's personal conduct policy. ESPN's Jane McManus, citing a source, reported that Enunwa's cooperation and remorse were factors in having the suspension reduced from six games to four. McManus also reported that the four games was a negotiated settlement between the league and the players' union, which means there will be no appeal.
Enunwa is a 2014 sixth-round draft pick who made the 53-man roster this year after spending last season on the practice squad. He has eight catches for 94 yards this season. Both totals are third-most among Jets receivers.
Enunwa was arrested on Aug. 31, 2014, after an incident with his then-girlfriend at the Wyndham Hamilton Park Hotel near the Jets' practice facility in Florham Park. According to court documents, Enunwa "knowingly and recklessly" caused "bodily injury to another, specifically by grabbing the victim by her ankle and pulling her off a bed and causing her to strike and injure both her head and finger."
The charge was dropped two months later after the victim decided not to testify against Enunwa.
At the time, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told NJ Advance Media, "We will review available court documents, but do not anticipate there would be a basis for discipline."
Even head coach Todd Bowles on Monday admitted he was "surprised" the league acted to suspend Enunwa now, considering the incident "happened last year." Bowles also said he first learned the league was considering discipline against Enunwa around the time of the Jets' last preseason game in early September.
Bowles said the Jets learned of the actual punishment on Monday.
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