NEED TO KNOW
- Buffalo Bills’ C.J. Gardner-Johnson apologized after being disqualified for spitting at Raiders tight end Brock Bowers
- Gardner-Johnson said the “gesture” he made was “inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect”
- The Bills safety promised to “learn from this, grow from it, and continue to lead with the integrity, passion, and respect that have carried me throughout my career”
Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has apologized for spitting at an opponent.
Gardner-Johnson, 28, posted a lengthy apology on his Instagram Story after he was ejected for spitting in the direction of Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers in the first half of Buffalo’s eventual 33-30 victory on Sunday, Oct. 18.
“I want to take a moment to address my actions and sincerely apologize to my opponent, my teammates, my organization and everyone who supports me,” Gardner-Johnson began.
The Bills safety said his “passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who I am,” before admitting, “but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed.”
Credit: Kevin Sabitus/Getty
Gardner-Johnson called the “gesture” he made “inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect” he has for Bowers, 23, or “this game.”
“There is no excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability,” Gardner-Johnson continues. “No matter how emotional or intense the competition gets, I have to hold myself to a higher standard. To my opponent, I sincerely apologize. We compete hard between those lines, but respect should always remain at the forefront.”
Gardner-Johnson said the “moment does not define my character,” and promised to “learn from this, grow from it, and continue to lead with the integrity, passion, and respect that have carried me throughout my career.”
He concluded, “I love this game, I respect this game, and I will always protect the integrity of this game. MY actions will speak louder than my words moving forward.”
Gardner-Johnson addressed the incident with reporters postgame on Sunday. “We were just arguing and talking,” Gardner-Johnson said, according to ESPN. “It was nothing negative. He ain’t do nothing to me. It was just in the heat of the game arguing and talking s--t. That gesture isn’t warranted.”
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Bowers, meanwhile, told reporters, “I don’t even know. Just talking a little bit and then ... I don’t know,” according to ESPN.
According to NBC Sports, Gardner-Johnson may be facing an additional suspension from the league.
Read the original article on People