The NFL announced on Monday that they have suspended Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson for one game, without pay, after he spit at Las Vegas Raiders’ Brock Bowers on Sunday. Officials ejected Gardner-Johnson for spitting at the Raiders tight end late in the second quarter.
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Referees immediately flagged Gardner-Johnson for unsportsmanlike conduct and sent him to the lockers at Allegiant Stadium early.
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)
The penalty positioned the Raiders comfortably down the field before halftime, allowing Las Vegas to boot a field goal and tie the game going into the break. The Bills ultimately held on to win the game, 33-30.
Following the game, Gardner-Johnson issued an apology on social media.
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“The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game,” Gardner-Johnson posted on his Instagram stories.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson #22 of the Buffalo Bills lines up before the snap during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 12, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (Getty Images)
“There is no excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability,” the statement read in part. “No matter how emotional or intense the competition gets, I have to hold myself to a higher standard.”
Gardner-Johnson being a problem for his team is frankly nothing new.
Just last season, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was slapped with a $57,222 fine and stripped of a game check after spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during Week 1.
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Back in 2020, his own New Orleans Saints teammate Michael Thomas punched him during practice after Gardner-Johnson reportedly provoked him. Later that season, Chicago Bears receiver Javon Wims threw a right hook at him during a live game after Gardner-Johnson ripped Wims’ mouthpiece off his helmet. The following year, another Bears receiver, Anthony Miller, was ejected for throwing a punch at Gardner-Johnson during a playoff game.
Dion Dawkins and C.J. Gardner-Johnson of the Buffalo Bills celebrate after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 12, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (Getty Images)
Whether he is suiting up for the Saints, Eagles, Lions, or Bills, Gardner-Johnson’s conduct remains exactly the same. He will now miss Buffalo’s upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens simply because he could not act like an adult on the field.
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