Sunday's Week 6 matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders featured an ugly moment for veteran safety C.J. The Bills' defensive back spit toward Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, resulting in a 15-yard penalty and his ejection from the game. ESPN broadcast personality Stephen A.
Smith feels the punishment shouldn't stop there. During Monday morning's episode of "First Take," he called on the league to suspend Gardner-Johnson. "There's a reason why you've been on multiple teams.
It ain't just about your play, it's about your behavior," Smith said. "To do something like that, that shows an absence of character. You cannot do something like that.
He should be suspended." Despite Gardner-Johnson's absence for the remainder of the game, the Bills went on to beat the Raiders with a 33-30 final score. Gardner-Johnson posted a public apology for his actions postgame. "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 said.
"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."
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