C.J. Gardner-Johnson has a reputation in the NFL. While he's managed to make an eight-year career for himself since being drafted in 2019, he's also been on more teams than years he's been in the league. On Sunday, everyone saw another example of why.
In the second quarter of their 33-30 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Buffalo Bills safety was called for unsportsmanlike conduct. Replay showed Gardner-Johnson spit at and hit Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers. That was quickly flagged, and the Bills safety was quickly ejected from the game.
After the game, head coach Joe Brady was asked about what happened. He was blunt, saying that it's something that "can't happen", and pointing to the lack of discipline that his team has had throughout the season in regards to penalties.
Brady said it was uncalled for and can't happen. He added that it will be addressed.
Gardner-Johnson tried to downplay the incident, saying that it was a "heat of the moment" incident.
"It wasn’t nothing egregious against nobody," he said. "We were just competing in the game. A call was made, a flag was made and we went to chirping. I guess, just being a competitor. Nothing towards Brock and nothing towards the team."
The 28-year-old said that Brady told him to "be a man" and go apologize to his teammates for what happened. He was told that he can't let his emotions get in control of him, and that something like this shouldn't happen again.
Whether it was a heat of the moment or "nothing egregious", as he put it, Gardner-Johnson's ejection hurt his team. The Bills, a defense that's already been struggling, lost its starting safety for the game.
It ended up resulting in rookie Jalon Kilgore seeing more defensive snaps. And, to his credit, he held his own and is certain to get more looks on the field as the season continues.
Gardner-Johnson said that he needs to be a better player and a better veteran after admitting he cost his team. He says that he "can't be doing s*** like that in a game.
For Gardner-Johnson, he's certain to hear from the league. Whether a suspension is handed down remains to be seen, but it's all but certain that he'll be given a hefty fine for his actions.
Whatever the punishment is, Gardner-Johnson says he'll accept it and move on.
The Bills enter the Bye Week 5-1 and in first place in the AFC East. After the bye, they will play host to the Baltimore Ravens.