For the second time in four days, a Bills player has been accused of spitting at an opposing player, and this time the NFL has stepped in.
Bills safety and special teams contributor Sam Franklin Jr. was suspended one game for unsportsmanlike conduct against the Raiders after being accused of spitting at a Raiders player following the final extra point. No flag was thrown on the play.
The league said Franklin violated Rule 12, Section 1, Article 1, which covers "Any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship." His appeal will be heard and decided by an officer jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA.
According to the league’s announcement, Franklin spat at an opponent in violation of the rule. A league source familiar with the situation said his appeal will be heard and decided by an officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA.
The play came after the Raiders’ final extra point. On the All-22 feed, Franklin can be seen shoving Las Vegas kicker Matt Gay toward the end zone, with 1:48 remaining in the fourth quarter. Gay grabbed Franklin by the collar, before Franklin backed away from the confrontation.
Bills coach Joe Brady said of Gardner-Johnson’s actions: "It can’t happen." He added, "That’s not what we’re about.
That’s not what the game of football’s about. And he understands why he was kicked out of the game."
Brady was talking about C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was ejected from the game in the second quarter and subsequently suspended one game by the NFL for spitting at Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
Franklin was not penalized during the play in question, and neither Franklin nor Gay was penalized on the final extra point.
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