# Bills Defender Suspended After Spitting

> Bills defender Sam Franklin Jr. suspended for spitting during Week 6 game.
- Title: Bills Defender Suspended After Spitting · Buffalo Bills On SI
- Summary: Bills defender Sam Franklin Jr. suspended for spitting during Week 6 game. Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. suspended one game for spitting after…
- Keywords: buffalo bills, sam franklin jr, c.j. gardner-johnson, nfl, spitting incident, week 6 game, las vegas raiders, sports, Bills, Defender, Suspended, Spitting
- Source: Buffalo Bills On SI — https://si.com/nfl/bills/onsi/another-bills-defender-suspended-spitting-c-j-gardner-johnson-incident
- Published: 2026-10-21T14:00:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: buffalo bills, sam franklin jr, c.j. gardner-johnson, nfl, spitting incident, week 6 game, las vegas raiders, sports
## Bills Defender Suspended
The NFL suspended Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. for spitting during Week 6 game against Las Vegas Raiders.
## Incident Details
Franklin spit at opponent with 1:32 remaining in fourth quarter after teammate Gardner-Johnson got ejected.
## Rule Violation
Franklin violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1 for unsportsmanlike conduct during game.
## Denial and Appeal
Franklin denies spitting allegation and will appeal to NFL hearing officers.
## Gardner-Johnson Suspension
Gardner-Johnson suspended one game after admitting mistake on video.
## Gardner-Johnson Apology
Gardner-Johnson apologized for inappropriate gesture and said it was unnecessary.
## Coach's Stance
Head coach Joe Brady says team won't cut Gardner-Johnson despite fan calls.
## Franklin's Background
Franklin has played seven seasons in NFL with five years with Panthers and two with Bills.
## Key takeaway

Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. suspended one game for spitting after teammate C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected for similar incident.