Bills Safety Sam Franklin Jr. Appeals One-Game Suspension for Alleged Spitting
Franklin denies spitting on an opponent and claims he was provoked during the Raiders game.
Buffalo Bills safety Sam Franklin Jr. is appealing the NFL's decision to suspend him for one game without pay, stemming from an incident during the team's Week 6 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Franklin maintains he did not spit on an opponent and asserts he was provoked.
The league's disciplinary action cited a violation of NFL Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which addresses conduct contrary to sportsmanship principles. Franklin's suspension was set to begin Monday and conclude on November 2.
Franklin publicly denied the allegation on his Instagram account, posting a video that appears to show Las Vegas offensive lineman Delmar Glaze striking him in a sensitive area during the Raiders' extra-point attempt. The clip shows Franklin shoving Glaze in response, and Glaze then appearing to push Franklin's helmet.
He is the second Bills player to receive a one-game suspension related to spitting allegations from that same game. C.J. Gardner-Johnson was also suspended for spitting in the direction of Raiders players. Gardner-Johnson, who was ejected from the game for the incident, apologized and acknowledged he needed to better control his emotions.
Franklin's appeal will be heard by one of four individuals appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association: former players Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, James Thrash, or former coach Ron Rivera. The appeals process is not public.
Franklin was not initially penalized during the game for the incident. The Bills are currently on a bye week. The timing of Franklin's appeals hearing has not yet been announced.