The Buffalo Bills could miss two defensive backs in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens. C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected in the second quarter of Week 6 against the Raiders for spitting toward Brock Bowers. Gardner-Johnson apologized but was officially suspended on Thursday. Additionally, safety and special-teams ace Sam Franklin Jr. was also suspended for allegedly spitting in the fourth quarter. Franklin denied spitting and appealed the suspension, as the video didn’t appear to show anything.
So here’s the alleged spitting incident. #Bills DB Sam Franklin Jr. (28) takes a shot below the belt from #Raiders T DJ Glaze (71). Franklin confronts Glaze, who then signals to an official. Franklin is adamant there was no spitting. Too tough to see anything clearly here. https://t.co/RzK6M2WY9q
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 21, 2026
The Buffalo Bills special-teams ace wins appeal, fined $14,900
Per NFL Senior Vice President of Football and International Communications, Michael Signora, hearing officer James Thrash granted Sam Franklin Jr.’s appeal, meaning he will not be suspended. Instead, Franklin will be fined $14,926 for unsportsmanlike conduct. He was not penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct during the game for shoving an opponent after the whistle.
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
More Bills news
- ‘You Gotta Discipline Him’ — Rob Gronkowski Offers Blunt Advice to Bills After C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s Bizarre On-Field Antics
- NFL Power Rankings: Where Do the Buffalo Bills Rank Now After Week 6?
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