Referee Shawn Smith: Umpire Tra Blake witnessed C.J. Gardner-Johnson spitting on an opponent
Key Points:
- Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected late in the first half of the game against the Raiders for spitting on an opponent, as confirmed by referee Shawn Smith.
- The umpire, Tra Blake, witnessed Gardner-Johnson spitting in the direction of Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, with the spit landing on either Bowers's leg or center Tyler Linderbaum’s hand.
- Referee Smith emphasized that the officials did not debate the exact target of the spit, only that Gardner-Johnson spat on an opponent, warranting the ejection.
- The incident drew parallels to a similar event in Week 1 of the 2025 season involving Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter.