C.J. Gardner-Johnson suspended by NFL for spitting at Raiders players

Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been suspended for one game without pay by the NFL following an incident during a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. During the second quarter, Gardner-Johnson was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct after appearing to spit toward Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and center Tyler Linderbaum during a heated verbal exchange.

The NFL cited a violation of rules regarding acts contrary to the principles of sportsmanship. Gardner-Johnson issued an apology on 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.” Despite the incident, Bills head coach Joe Brady indicated that the team has no plans to release the veteran safety.

The suspension is scheduled to begin on October 26, meaning Gardner-Johnson will miss the Bills' upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Bills secured a 33-30 victory over the Raiders despite the ejection. The incident drew criticism from broadcasters and fellow players, including San Francisco 49ers tight end Kyle Juszczyk, who claimed Gardner-Johnson had previously engaged in similar behavior toward him.