NFL suspends Buffalo Bills safety CJ Gardner-Johnson after grotesque spitting incident
C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected for spitting at Brock Bowers and Raiders linemen, costing the Buffalo Bills a costly penalty before halftime.
The NFL announced on Monday that they have suspended Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson for one game, without pay, after he spit at Las Vegas Raiders' Brock Bowers on Sunday. Officials ejected Gardner-Johnson for spitting at the Raiders tight end late in the second quarter.
Referees immediately flagged Gardner-Johnson for unsportsmanlike conduct and sent him to the lockers at Allegiant Stadium early.
The penalty positioned the Raiders comfortably down the field before halftime, allowing Las Vegas to boot a field goal and tie the game going into the break. The Bills ultimately held on to win the game, 33-30.
Following the game, Gardner-Johnson issued an apology on social media.
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"The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game," Gardner-Johnson posted on his Instagram stories.
"There is no excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability," the statement read in part. "No matter how emotional or intense the competition gets, I have to hold myself to a higher standard."
Gardner-Johnson being a problem for his team is frankly nothing new.
Just last season, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was slapped with a $57,222 fine and stripped of a game check after spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during Week 1.
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Back in 2020, his own New Orleans Saints teammate Michael Thomas punched him during practice after Gardner-Johnson reportedly provoked him. Later that season, Chicago Bears receiver Javon Wims threw a right hook at him during a live game after Gardner-Johnson ripped Wims' mouthpiece off his helmet. The following year, another Bears receiver, Anthony Miller, was ejected for throwing a punch at Gardner-Johnson during a playoff game.
Whether he is suiting up for the Saints, Eagles, Lions, or Bills, Gardner-Johnson's conduct remains exactly the same. He will now miss Buffalo's upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens simply because he could not act like an adult on the field.
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