Geno Smith Addresses Dropped Assault Case on Day 1 of Jets Camp

Geno Smith showed up to New York Jets training camp on Tuesday with something to address before he ever stepped onto a practice field.

The Jets’ new starting quarterback spoke publicly for the first time about a June incident involving a former girlfriend, one that went viral on social media and triggered a police investigation, and his primary concern was what it meant for his team, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

Speaking on the day veterans reported to training camp in Florham Park, N.J., Smith addressed the allegations directly.

“I really hate the fact that something I was a part of could’ve been a distraction for this team, my teammates and this organization because a lot of hard work has been put in,” Smith said. “A lot of guys have put in a lot of work 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.”

Smith added that he had spoken with head coach Aaron Glenn, general manager Darren Mougey, and the team’s veteran leaders about the matter, though he declined to detail those conversations.

The Case That Was Dropped

The incident that prompted Smith’s comments occurred on June 21, when Davie, Florida police responded to a 911 call from a woman identifying herself as Smith’s ex-girlfriend, Kristen Stubbs, who alleged she had been assaulted. She posted a video to Instagram of a dispute with Smith, claiming on camera that he had attacked her.

The investigation was ultimately declared inactive. No arrests were made and no charges were filed. Per ESPN’s reporting, neither Smith nor Stubbs provided requested follow-up statements to police, which was a contributing factor in the case being closed. For a full breakdown of how the investigation concluded, TSR covered the battery case closure in detail.

Smith’s Second Stint With Jets

Smith, 35, was acquired via trade from the Las Vegas Raiders in March and immediately handed the starting quarterback job. This is a second chance with the franchise that drafted him in the second round back in 2013. His first stint with the Jets ended without much to show for it, and the offseason drama arrived at the worst possible time.

Smith also offered some self-reflection on his growth, saying he is “a lot more wiser” than he was during his first time with the Jets, and that he is grateful for another opportunity with the franchise. The NFL has its own personal conduct review process separate from law enforcement, and that remains an unresolved thread heading into the season.