Jets' Geno Smith says he was a 'distraction' during offseason, vows to move forward as training camp begins
Jets quarterback Geno Smith during training camp on Tuesday at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, N.J. Credit: Ed Murray
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Geno Smith expressed some remorse for being a “distraction” in the offseason after he had built some positive energy in his return to the Jets.
Smith generated plenty of headlines from his involvement in three separate encounters with the police in Florida. When the Jets reported for training camp on Tuesday, Smith opened up his news conference by saying he felt bad about what happened and he’s putting it behind him.
“I really feel like coming out of OTAs, I feel like we built some positive momentum,” Smith said. “I really hate the fact that something I was a part of could have been a distraction for this team, my teammates, this organization because a lot of hard work's been put in, and a lot of guys have put a lot of work in for us to be in a good spot as a team.
“I'm happy that I'm able to put this behind me. I'm looking forward to moving forward and just continuing to build day by day with my guys.”
Smith's vehicle was twice pulled over by the Davie Police Department, according to media reports. He was cited once for speeding and not producing a license. Another time, Smith was stopped for having incorrect vehicle tags and driving without a license.
He also was investigated after a women claiming to be Smith’s ex-girlfriend accused him of battery in June, according to a Davie Police Department report that Newsday obtained. The Davie Police Department closed that investigation earlier this month.
Smith addressed these matters with general manager Darren Mougey, coach Aaron Glenn and some veterans on the team.
“We’re putting this behind us and moving forward,” Smith said.
When Smith was asked if he needs to change anything to avoid being in situations like those again, he responded, “I just look forward to practice tomorrow and moving toward the season.”
The Jets reacquired Smith from Las Vegas in March to be their starting quarterback this season. Originally a second-round pick of the Jets in 2013, Smith spent four disappointing seasons with the team. He was best known for being punched in the locker room before a training camp practice in 2015 by IK Enemkpali over money.
Glenn praised Smith throughout the offseason workouts for how much he’s grown and matured since his first time with the Jets. His new teammates also lauded him for his leadership skills and using his experiences to help them learn the playbook or prepare for the season.
Linebacker Demario Davis, who is a Jet for a third time and was Smith’s teammate previously, continued to speak highly of Smith as a player and person.
“He’s just proven, number one, that he's a special talent, to be able to be a starting quarterback in multiple places,” Davis said. " . . . I think he has a phenomenal arm talent, man.
“I think what he brings here this time is just a level of wisdom and humility and focus. Not that he didn't have that before, but it just jumps out at you. The confidence that he has in himself, the grounded-ness and peace and that’s what you want in somebody [who's] going to be leading your team.”
Davis was one of the veterans that Smith spoke to about his drama-filled offseason. Davis said the Jets created “a men’s fellowship group” in OTAs where players can be “vulnerable” and talk about anything.
“We have a very tight-knit brotherhood on this team,” Davis said. “Nobody is operating in a silo on this team. You need that. We’re living a time where people need spaces where they can have people they know that they can trust them, that's going to cover them and protect them the right way.”
The Jets will hold their first practice of camp on Wednesday. Smith is looking forward to being on the field with his teammates and just focusing on football.
“I really appreciate being part of the team, a part of this organization again,” he said. “I look forward to just building every single day in training camp, getting better as a team, getting better as a player, and continuing with the positive momentum.”
Newsday's Ben Dickson contributed to this story.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
