The NFL issued a one-game suspension to Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson for spitting at an opponent during Sunday's game. The NFL suspended Gardner-Johnson without pay "for an act of unsportsmanlike conduct" after he spat toward Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
According to the league's announcement, the Bills veteran violated a rule applying to "any act of which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship." The Bills have a Week 7 bye, so Gardner-Johnson will serve his suspension during their next game against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 1. He's eligible to be reinstated for their Monday Night Football matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 9. Officials ejected Gardner-Johnson from Sunday's game in the second quarter after he spat on Bowers.
The 28-year-old told reporters that he and Bowers "were just arguing and talking" before the incident. "I got to be a better player. I got to be a better vet," Gardner-Johnson said after the game, per WGRZ's Jon Scott.
"I let my emotions get above me, and I hurt my team. They brought me in to play big games like this, so I got to be better." Gardner-Johnson said he apologized to his teammates and planned to accept any consequences and "handle it like a man and move on." He later issued another apology letter on his Instagram stories. "My passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who I am, but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed," Gardner-Johnson wrote.
"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."
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