One of the two Buffalo Bills defensive backs who were handed one-game suspensions by the NFL for spitting during last week’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders will no longer be prohibited from playing in the Bills’ next game.
Sam Franklin Jr.’s punishment for allegedly spitting on a Raiders player has been reduced from a single-game ban to a $14,926 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The change was made by hearing officer James Thrash, who was jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association.
Hearing officer James Thrash, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, has reduced the discipline of Sam Franklin from a one-game suspension to a fine of $14,926 for unsportsmanlike conduct.
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) October 23, 2026
This story is being updated.