NFL3 hours ago1 minute read

C.J. Gardner-Johnson Appeal Denied Following Spitting Incident

Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson will serve a one game suspension after hearing officer Jordy Nelson upheld the league ruling on Thursday.

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Suspension Upheld After Appeal

Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson will officially serve a one game suspension. Hearing officer Jordy Nelson upheld the discipline on Thursday following an official appeal process.

The league announced the decision after reviewing the case. The suspension stems from an incident during Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Officials ejected Gardner-Johnson shortly before halftime after he spit in the direction of Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and center Tyler Linderbaum.

Since the Bills are on a bye this week, Gardner-Johnson will miss the team's Week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Multiple Suspensions for Buffalo

Gardner-Johnson is one of two Buffalo players who received a one game suspension for spitting during the game against Las Vegas. Defensive back and special teams captain Sam Franklin Jr. was also disciplined by the league for the exact same offense.

Franklin denied spitting in a statement posted to his Instagram Story on Wednesday. He has also filed an appeal against his suspension with the league office.

Buffalo managed to pull off a 33-30 victory over the Raiders despite the discipline during the contest. Following the win, Gardner-Johnson spoke to his teammates in the locker room. He apologized for his actions and told the team that he needed to be a better veteran moving forward.

Coach Joe Brady Responds

Bills coach Joe Brady addressed the situation on Monday. He stated that there will be no further punishment for Gardner-Johnson coming from the team beyond the suspension given by the league.

Brady also remained committed to Gardner-Johnson as a starting player on the defense. The coach made it clear that Gardner-Johnson will return to his starting spot as soon as he becomes eligible.

Gardner-Johnson will be cleared to play again in Week 9 after sitting out the upcoming game against Baltimore.