Oct. 21 (UPI) -- The NFL issued a one-game suspension, without pay, to Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. for spitting toward the Las Vegas Raiders, the league said Wednesday.
Franklin, who denied the allegation, is expected to appeal the ruling.
The alleged incident occurred with about 1:32 remaining in the Bills' 33-30 win over the Raiders on Sunday in Las Vegas. The NFL said Franklin "spit at an opponent, violating Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to 'any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.'"
Franklin's suspension starts Monday. He is eligible to return to the Bills' active roster Nov. 2. The Bills, who are on bye this week, will host the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 1 in Orchard Park, N.Y.
The NFL announced Monday that Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson also was suspended, without pay, for one game for spitting at an opponent during the second quarter of the win over the Raiders. Gardner-Johnson will miss the Bills' Nov. 1 matchup with the Ravens.
Video of the incident showed spit leaving Gardner-Johnson's mouth and flying toward Raiders players. He was then ejected from the game.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson spits in the direction of Brock Bowers, leading to disqualification https://t.co/8zW4OYIP7o— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) October 18, 2026
Franklin totaled six combined tackles over six appearances this season. He is in his seventh NFL season and has mostly been used as a special teams player in recent years.
Gardner-Johnson totaled 26 combined tackles, two passes defensed and an interception over six starts this season. The Bills signed the eight-year veteran in March.
The Bills (5-1) will host the Ravens (4-2) at 1 p.m. EDT Sunday at Highmark Stadium.