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CJ Gardner-Johnson was given the boot on Sunday and had no shortage of excuses for his actions after the Bills’ 33-30 win over the Raiders.
In the third quarter of the 4 o’clock window’s track meet, Gardner-Johnson was flagged and thrown out as the Bills’ defense was huddling, as Gardner-Johnson appeared to spit at Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
The NFL is reviewing the play to see if it warrants any further discipline.
“Not that anybody is surprised when he gets called for something like this,” Jim Nantz said on the telecast.
In a long apology, Gardner-Johnson attempted to explain his actions, though he’s far from a first offender as a known agitator.
“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 said in a post on his Instagram story. “My passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who l am, but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed. The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game.”
In anonymous polls from players around the league, Gardner-Johnson was voted “Most Annoying Player” in 2024 and “Biggest Trash Talker” in 2023.
He continued with his apology on Sunday night.
“There is no excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability. 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.”
It’s far from the first controversy for Gardner-Johnson, who has bounced around the league.
On Nov. 1, 2020, he poked Bears receiver Anthony Miller’s facemask. Later in the game he pulled at Chicago special teamer Javon Wims’ mouthpiece.
Wims later in the game came from behind Gardner-Johnson, grabbed at his necklace, and hit him twice in the helmet, leading to a brawl and ejection.
Wims was ejected as Gardner-Johnson did not swing back at him, but Wims later claimed to the league that Gardner-Johnson spit at him, causing his reaction.
Gardner-Johnson vociferously denied spitting at his opponent, saying “I’m innocent” in 2020 as Wims was suspended for two games.
Gardner-Johnson again maintains that this moment, despite being one of many, does not define his career.
“One moment does not define my character, but how I respond to that moment matters,” Gardner-Johnson concluded. “I will learn from this, grow from it, and continue to lead with the integrity, passion, and respect that have carried me throughout my career. 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 is on his seventh team in eight years — including winning a Super Bowl with the Eagles — as he’s had a tough time sticking on rosters consistently.