The NFL announced Wednesday that Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin has received a one-game unpaid suspension for spitting at a Las Vegas Raiders opponent, becoming the second player on the team disciplined for such conduct last weekend.
Franklin denies the allegation and intends to appeal, according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity because discussions remain private.
The league cited a sportsmanship rule violation, concluding Franklin spat at an opponent after a Raiders extra point with 1:32 left in Buffalo’s 33-30 victory on Sunday.
A key special teams player, Franklin joins starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was also suspended for one game for spitting toward Raiders players during the second quarter.
Gardner-Johnson, who won the Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2024, was ejected following his incident, which was shown on television broadcasts. He subsequently apologized to teammates and told reporters, "I'll take my consequences”, adding he must better manage his emotions.
"There is no excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability," Gardner-Johnson said in a post on Instagram. "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."
In the apology, he said he hopes to represent himself in a better light in the future.
"I love this game, I respect this game, and I will always protect the integrity of this game," he said. "My actions will speak louder than my words moving forward."
Franklin received no initial penalty on the field, and no video of his action was immediately available.
Under the collective bargaining agreement, appeals are heard by jointly appointed NFL and NFLPA officers: former players Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, and James Thrash, or former coach Ron Rivera.
With Buffalo (5-1) on a bye week, the suspensions run from October 26 to November 2, ending the day after the Bills play the Baltimore Ravens. Franklin holds the right to appeal.
Franklin and Bills coach Joe Brady were not immediately available to speak to reporters.
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