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NFL Star Opens Up, Says Manslaughter Charges Against His Brother 'Shocking'

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Janoris Jenkins knew this day was coming, but that didn’t make it any easier.

Last month, hip-hop producer Roosevelt Rene (a.k.a. Trypps Beats) was found dead at the Jenkins’ New Jersey home.

The suspect in the alleged aggravated manslaughter is Jenkins’ brother, William.

Authorities believe that Rene and William Jenkins were in an argument that escalated into a deadly altercation.

Janoris Jenkins was in Florida at the time of his friend’s death. He was well aware that when he reported for training camp, the incident would be the first thing he’d be asked by the media.

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“It’s shocking, but I still gotta come and play football,” Jenkins said Sunday. “Right now my main focus is coming out and getting better every day for my teammates and stay focused.”

Jenkins said the whole incident has been “shocking.”

Interestingly, the defensive back said he has yet to speak to his brother, who is awaiting trial in jail.

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“I haven’t talked to him, to be honest,” Jenkins said. “But I will to see where his head’s at. As far as that, I’m just leaving that off the field.”

Jenkins and his good friend, Rene, were working on a music production at the time of the producer’s death.

Jenkins, the seven-year pro out of Ohio State, vows that the project will be completed. But for now, he’s trying to focus on getting back on the field after missing seven games last season after ankle surgery.

“I’m back, I’m working good, I’m at the top speed,” said Jenkins, who had three interceptions in nine games last year. “No issues, no ankle soreness, none of that. I’m 100 percent. … The whole offseason I was working on getting my ankle stronger in and out of cuts. So far I’ve been doing good.”

New Giants coach Pat Shurmur finds his team in the spotlight for a reason other than football.

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He has already reached out to his player.

“I’ve spoken to Janoris and I think you’re all aware of what happened and it’s tragic anytime somebody dies,” Shurmur said.

Jenkins said he’s trying to keep his focus on football.

“It’s difficult, but at the end of the day, you gotta be a pro,” Jenkins said. “Things gonna happen in life, some things you can’t control, and it’s just one of those situations.”

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Mike is an 11-time Michigan Emmy Award winner who has spent nearly 30 years working in sports media.
Mike has spent nearly 30 years in all aspects of sports media, including on-air, 10 at ESPN and another 10 at Fox Sports Detroit. He now works as a TV agent, and lives with his family in West Bloomfield, MI.
Birthplace
Sudbury, Massachusetts
Honors/Awards
11-time Michigan Emmy winner
Education
Emerson College
Books Written
The Longest Year: One Family's Journey Of Life, Death, And Love/If These Walls Could Talk: Detroit Tigers/If These Walls Could Talk: Detroit Lions
Topics of Expertise
Sports




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