NFL Rules on CJGJ's Appeal of 1-Game Suspension for Spitting at Brock Bowers, Raiders

Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson will have to serve his punishment for spitting at Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and center Tyler Linderbaum on Sunday.

The NFL announced on Thursday that Jordy Nelson, who was jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA as the hearing officer for Gardner-Johnson's appeal, has upheld his one-game suspension for the incident.

The Bills (5-1) are on a bye this week, so Gardner-Johnson will miss their Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 1.

NFL player suspended for spitting on opponent

Per ESPN's Nick Suss , the league said in a statement earlier this week that Gardner-Johnson violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to "any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship." Cameras caught him spitting in the direction of Bowers and Linderbaum shortly before halftime, and he was ejected from the game.

After the Bills' 33-30 win, Gardner-Johnson told reporters that he apologized to his teammates in the locker room, and he admitted that his actions weren't sparked by a specific incident.

"We were just arguing and talking," he said. "It was nothing negative. He ain't do nothing to me. It was just in the heat of the game, arguing and talking s--t. That gesture isn't warranted."

Gardner-Johnson also posted an apology on social media, writing, "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."

As an eight-year veteran, Gardner-Johnson is one of the leaders of a Buffalo team looking to make it to the Super Bowl, so he should try to avoid any further infractions that would keep him off the field.