NFL suspends C.J. Gardner-Johnson for one game for spitting

Key Points:

• The NFL has suspended Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson for one game without pay after he was caught spitting toward Las Vegas Raiders players during Sunday's game, violating the league's sportsmanship rules.
• Gardner-Johnson will miss the Bills' Week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens unless he successfully appeals, with the appeal panel consisting of former NFL players and coaches jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA.
• Bills coach Joe Brady confirmed there would be no additional team punishment and reaffirmed Gardner-Johnson's role as a starter upon his return, emphasizing the need for the player to improve his conduct for the team's success.
• The incident occurred after a verbal exchange between Gardner-Johnson and Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, leading to Gardner-Johnson's ejection; Gardner-Johnson apologized publicly, acknowledging that his actions were inappropriate and not reflective of his respect for the game.
• This marks Gardner-Johnson's first ejection since 2024 and follows a recent pattern of penalties, highlighting ongoing concerns about his on-field behavior despite his recognized competitive nature.