Former Panthers captain suspended by NFL for spitting at opposing player

This post has been updated with new information.

Whatever's in the water up in Carolina North must not taste very good.

The NFL has announced that they have issued a one-game suspension to Buffalo Bills safety Sam Franklin Jr. for spitting at an opponent during this past Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Franklin, who began his pro career with the Carolina Panthers , is now the second Bills defender to be suspended this week for spitting at an opposing player—joining teammate C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

The Panthers signed Franklin as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Temple in 2020. He'd go on to become a special teams ace over his five-year tenure in Carolina, and was voted a team captain for his final campaign there in 2024.

Franklin appeared in a total of 74 games as a member of the Panthers—recording 105 combined tackles, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble.

He'd join the Bills in 2025, playing in all 19 of the team's outings. Buffalo then re-signed Franklin to a three-year deal in February.

According to league insider Tom Pelissero, Franklin denies the incident and will appeal his suspension.

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