Bills safety CJ Gardner-Johnson’s suspension upheld for ‘inexcusable’ spitting incident, NFL announces
Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s one-game suspension for spitting at an opponent was upheld, the NFL announced Thursday.
The Bills have a bye in Week 7, so Gardner-Johnson will miss the team’s Week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Appeals hearing officer Jordy Nelson heard the appeal.
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Bills head coach Joe Brady called Gardner-Johnson’s actions inexcusable.
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C.J. Gardner-Johnson of the Buffalo Bills walks off the field after being ejected against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Oct. 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nev. (Getty Images)
“It’s hard enough to win enough in this league with 48 guys, much less 47. He knows that that can’t happen, it’s inexcusable, that’s not the standard that we’re going to have and play with. He’s addressed it, it’s been addressed,” Brady told reporters on Monday.
“Those are the things that can’t happen on a football field. We want to toe the line in everything we do but we can’t cross the line.”
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Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady looks on prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on Dec. 21, 2025. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Brady said Gardner-Johnson would remain in the starting lineup when he returns in Week 9. The 28-year-old was ejected from the game after spitting toward Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum and tight end Brock Bowers just before halftime.
Gardner-Johnson told reporters he would accept the consequences and needed to better control his emotions.
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C.J. Gardner-Johnson #22 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after being ejected from a game against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium on Oct. 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nev. The Bills defeated the Raiders 33-30. (Candice Ward/Getty Images)
The Bills also had safety Sam Franklin Jr. suspended for spitting toward a player during the team’s win Sunday. Franklin denied the allegations in a social media post.
“Not a dirty play what so ever! Will always defend myself though. Still won’t spit on anyone,” Franklin posted on his Instagram Story Wednesday.
