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Franklin and Gardner-Johnson Get One-Game Spitting Suspensions

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 11:38 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Sam Franklin Suspended

Sam Franklin Jr. received a one-game suspension for allegedly spitting at a Las Vegas Raiders opponent.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson received a one-game suspension for spitting at Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
Both suspensions run Oct. 26–Nov. 2, causing them to miss Week 8 versus the Ravens.
Franklin denies spitting and posted an Instagram clip.
His appeal hearing is Thursday, with former player James Thrash among the four neutral officers.

Summary

Joe Brady Condemns

Bills coach Joe Brady called the spitting act “inexcusable” and said the team will address it.
Brady said he has not reviewed video, but officials confirmed the violation was clear.
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak praised his players for not retaliating after the incident.
Gardner-Johnson, a Super Bowl champion, has played for six teams in eight seasons.
Jalen Carter was suspended earlier this season for spitting, showing a rising disciplinary trend.

History

Historical Context

In 1997 Commissioner Paul Tagliabue adopted a Violent Crime Policy that let the NFL fine and suspend players for convictions, establishing a formal conduct framework. After Roger Goodell became commissioner in 2006, the league expanded unsportsmanlike-conduct penalties, including automatic one-game bans for such behavior. The 2024 one-game suspensions of Bills safety Sam Franklin Jr. and Raiders defensive end C.J. Gardner-Johnson for spitting follow that precedent.

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Sam Franklin Suspended

Sam Franklin Jr. received a one-game suspension for allegedly spitting at a Las Vegas Raiders opponent.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson received a one-game suspension for spitting at Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
Both suspensions run Oct. 26–Nov. 2, causing them to miss Week 8 versus the Ravens.
Franklin denies spitting and posted an Instagram clip.
His appeal hearing is Thursday, with former player James Thrash among the four neutral officers.

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