Bills Player Sam Franklin Jr. Suspended for Spitting Incident
Franklin receives a one-game ban for conduct during Week 6 win over the Raiders, marking the second such suspension for the team.
Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. has been suspended for one game without pay for spitting at an opponent during the team's Week 6 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders. This marks the second player on the Bills to face a suspension for the same offense in that game.
The incident occurred with just over 1:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, following a successful extra point attempt by the Raiders. According to the NFL's statement, Franklin Jr. spit at Las Vegas right tackle DJ Glaze, violating Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which addresses unsportsmanlike conduct.
Franklin Jr. intends to appeal the suspension. His agents, Harold C. Lewis and Christian Addison, issued a statement asserting his innocence. "We adamantly deny Sam spit at anyone," they told NFL insider Tom Pelissero. "We look forward to the process fully exonerating him tomorrow at the hearing and the apology he deserves."
The appeal will be heard by one of four jointly appointed individuals: Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera, or James Thrash.
This is the second suspension for spitting involving a Bills player from the same game. Earlier, C.J. Gardner-Johnson was also suspended for one game without pay after being ejected for spitting at Raiders tight end Brock Bowers in the first half. Bills coach Joe Brady has stated the team will not impose further discipline on Gardner-Johnson beyond the league's ruling.
The Bills are currently on a bye week. If Franklin Jr.'s suspension is upheld and served, it would take effect during Week 8 when the team faces the Baltimore Ravens.