The NFL has suspended Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson for one game, without pay, after he spit at Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers during Sunday’s game at Allegiant Stadium.
Officials ejected Gardner-Johnson on the spot, flagging him for unsportsmanlike conduct late in the second quarter and sending him to the locker room before halftime. The penalty put the Raiders in strong field position, and Las Vegas converted it into a field goal to tie the game at the break. Buffalo went on to win, 33-30.
Gardner-Johnson apologized on Instagram after the game.
“The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game. There is no excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability. No matter how emotional or intense the competition gets, I have to hold myself to a higher standard.”
The suspension means Gardner-Johnson will sit out Buffalo’s upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens.
This is not the first time an on-field spitting incident has drawn NFL discipline. Last season, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was fined $57,222 and lost a game check after spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in Week 1.
Gardner-Johnson also has a history of sideline and practice-field conflict. In 2020, then-New Orleans Saints teammate Michael Thomas punched him during practice after he reportedly provoked Thomas. Later that season, Chicago Bears receiver Javon Wims threw a punch at him during a live game after Gardner-Johnson ripped off Wims’ mouthpiece. The following year, Bears receiver Anthony Miller was ejected for throwing a punch at Gardner-Johnson during a playoff game.
Gardner-Johnson has played for the Saints, Eagles, Detroit Lions and now the Bills.
