Full Breakdown
Bills Defensive Back Sam Franklin Jr. Suspended for One Game Over Alleged Spitting Incident
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The NFL announced a one-game, unpaid suspension for Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. after determining he spat at a Las Vegas Raiders player during the fourth quarter of the Bills’ 33-30 win. The suspension begins on Oct. 26, causing Franklin to miss the Week 8 contest against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 1, with eligibility to return on Nov. 2.
Background & Context
This marks the second Bills defender suspended for spitting in the same game. Earlier in the second quarter, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected and subsequently suspended for spitting toward Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. Both incidents occurred in Week 6, prompting league scrutiny of player conduct.
Data & Statistics
- Franklin has appeared in all six Bills games this season, recording six special-teams tackles.
- Over his career he logged 124 total tackles, a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown, and 97 games (nine starts) with the Carolina Panthers (2020-24).
- The Bills hold a 5-1 record entering their bye week.
Official Statements & Responses
- NFL officials said the suspension follows a video review that showed Franklin spitting after the Raiders’ extra-point attempt with 1:32 remaining.
- Franklin’s agents, Harold Lewis and Christian Addison, denied the allegation, asserting the players “adamantly deny” the spitting and expressing confidence the appeal will “fully exonerate him.”
- Bills head coach Joe Brady said the team respects the league’s process, noting that while spitting “crosses a line,” the organization will not seek additional punishment beyond the league’s ruling.
- The appeal will be heard by one of four former players or coaches jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA; a hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Video evidence remains inconclusive. An NFL Network clip shows a scuffle after the extra point, with Raiders lineman DJ Glaze pulling Franklin’s undershirt and Franklin shoving Glaze, but the footage does not capture a clear spit. Franklin’s Instagram story posted a slow-motion replay that cuts off before the play ends, and he maintains he “will always defend myself” without spitting. The league’s determination relies on its internal review, while the player and his representatives contest the finding.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Not a dirty play what so ever!” — Sam Franklin, special teams captain
- “Bills DB Sam Franklin Jr. was suspended one game today for unsportsmanlike conduct versus the Las Vegas Raiders,” — Adam Schefter, ESPN
- “It can't happen. That's not what we're about. That's not what the game of football is about, and he knows that,” — Joe Brady, coach
Why It Matters / Impact
The back-to-back suspensions remove two veteran safeties from Buffalo’s secondary and special-teams units for the Ravens matchup. Special-teams coordinator Matthew Smiley must adjust kick-coverage schemes, while the defense will rely more heavily on younger players such as Damar Hamlin and Cole Bishop. The incidents also place additional pressure on head coach Joe Brady to reinforce discipline standards and could influence the NFL’s handling of spitting violations.