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- Bills' Gardner-Johnson Ejected for Apparent Spitting on Raiders14 sources
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Updated 1h ago · Sports
NFL Suspends Bills' Gardner-Johnson One Game for Spitting
The NFL suspended Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson one game without pay Monday. He spat toward Raiders tight end Brock Bowers in Sunday's game.
- 33-30 Bills win; he was ejected just before halftime.
- The league cited its rule against unsportsmanlike acts.
- Video showed him spitting toward Bowers and center Tyler Linderbaum.
- He apologized to teammates and in an Instagram post.
Why it matters: Buffalo will play Baltimore on Nov. 1 without a starting safety. The Bills signed him to a one-year deal.
- First suspension of his career after numerous fines.
- Second 15-yard penalty for him in two weeks.
- 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk said Gardner-Johnson spat on him last year.
How 11 sources split on this story
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11 sources · 15 articles · 64% Center coverage
Where they split: Daily Mail said the Bills could still add their own discipline, while ESPN reported coach Joe Brady ruled that out.
Center coverage, 7 sources: The center covers the ruling and Buffalo's response, with some coverage stressing a pattern of conduct.
ESPN2hNFL suspends C.J. Gardner-Johnson for one game for spitting - ESPNHeavy3hFormer Eagles Starting Safety Suspended 1 Game For SpittingNewsweek2hBills bring back former star CB after CJ Gardner-Johnson suspensionKSAT 12 San Antonio3hNFL suspends Bills safety Gardner-Johnson for 1 game for spitting at RaidersPennLive2hNFL suspends star safety for one game for spittingReuters3hBills' C.J. Gardner-Johnson suspended 1 game for spitting vs. RaidersUSA Today4hC.J. Gardner-Johnson receives suspension
Left coverage, 2 sources: The left reports the suspension as a disciplinary step, set against his long career record and a 2024 ejection.
Right coverage, 2 sources: The right presents the act as shameful, focusing on his apology and possible further punishment.
What’s next: Any appeal goes to one of four hearing officers. The NFL and the players union jointly appoint them.
- Brady said Gardner-Johnson will remain a starter when eligible in Week 9.
- Will Gardner-Johnson appeal the suspension?
- Will the league review Juszczyk's claim of an earlier spitting incident?
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