NFL suspends C.J. Gardner-Johnson 1 game for spitting at Brock Bowers

The NFL announced it has reviewed the situation surrounding Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson's ejection during the team's Week 6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. As a result, the league suspended the Bills safety for one game.

The Bills are on bye this week, so the suspension, if not overturned by an appeal, would apply to the team's game against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 1.

Gardner-Johnson appeared to get into a verbal exchange with Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. Then, the Buffalo safety spat on the ground toward Bowers' feet. A referee was right there when it happened, threw the flag and promptly ejected Gardner-Johnson.

According to the league, the unsportsmanlike act of spitting toward an opponent violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to "any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship."

With Buffalo on bye this week, the safety's suspension will begin Oct. 26 and will last until Nov. 2, the day after the Bills' next game against the Ravens.

After the game, Gardner-Johnson spoke to reporters. He was asked about what happened, and he said that he has to control his emotions better.

"I've gotta be a better player. I've gotta be a better vet," Gardner-Johnson said. "I let my emotions above me and I hurt my team. "They brought me here to play in big games like this. I've just got to do better and control my emotions."

"I've gotta be a better player. I've gotta be a better vet," Gardner-Johnson said. "I let my emotions above me and I hurt my team.

"They brought me here to play in big games like this. I've just got to do better and control my emotions."

Later, he posted an apology to his Instagram story .

"I want to take a moment to address my actions and sincerely apologize to my opponent, my teammates, my organization, and everyone who supports me. "My passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who I am, but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed. The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game. "There is not excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability. No matter how emotional or intense the competition gets, I have to hold myself to a higher standard. "To my opponent, I sincerely apologize. We compete hard between those lines, but respect should always remain at the forefront. "One moment does not define my character, but how I respond to that moment matters. I will learn from this, grow from it, and continue to lead with the integrity, passion, and respect that have carried me throughout my career. "I love this game, I respect this game, and I will always protect the integrity of this game. "My actions will speak louder than my words moving forward."

"I want to take a moment to address my actions and sincerely apologize to my opponent, my teammates, my organization, and everyone who supports me.

"My passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who I am, but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed. The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game.

"There is not excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability. No matter how emotional or intense the competition gets, I have to hold myself to a higher standard.

"To my opponent, I sincerely apologize. We compete hard between those lines, but respect should always remain at the forefront.

"One moment does not define my character, but how I respond to that moment matters. I will learn from this, grow from it, and continue to lead with the integrity, passion, and respect that have carried me throughout my career.

"I love this game, I respect this game, and I will always protect the integrity of this game.

"My actions will speak louder than my words moving forward."

This was not the first ejection of Gardner-Johnson's career. When he was with the Philadelphia Eagles, the safety was tossed from a 2024 game against the Washington Commanders.

Gardner-Johnson was called for taunting, his second unsportsmanlike penalty of the day, which forced an automatic ejection.