NFL Suspends Bills Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson for Spitting Incident
The Buffalo Bills player received a one-game suspension without pay for spitting at an opponent during Sunday's game.
The National Football League announced Monday that Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been suspended for one game without pay following an incident where he spit at Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. The action led to Gardner-Johnson's ejection from the game late in the second quarter.
The unsportsmanlike conduct penalty placed the Raiders in a favorable field position before halftime, contributing to a field goal that tied the game. The Bills eventually won the contest with a score of 33-30.
Following the game, Gardner-Johnson issued an apology via social media, stating, "The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game." He added, "There is no excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability. No matter how emotional or intense the competition gets, I have to hold myself to a higher standard."
This is not the first time Gardner-Johnson has faced disciplinary action or been involved in on-field altercations. In a previous season, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was fined over $57,000 for spitting at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Additionally, in 2020, Gardner-Johnson was involved in separate incidents during practice and a game where teammates and opponents threw punches.
Gardner-Johnson's upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens will be missed due to this suspension.