Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been suspended for one game following an incident during Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The National Football League announced the suspension on Monday, citing Gardner-Johnson’s actions during the contest, which took place in Nevada.
Gardner-Johnson was ejected in the second quarter of the Bills’ 33-30 victory after spitting in the direction of Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. The NFL classified the action as “unsportsmanlike conduct” and determined that the safety would miss the Bills’ upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens on November 1. Gardner-Johnson will not receive pay for the missed game.
Following the incident on the field, Gardner-Johnson initially downplayed the event, stating that it was “nothing negative” and occurred amid a heated exchange during the game. However, he later issued a formal apology through social media. In his statement, Gardner-Johnson acknowledged that his competitive nature contributed to the behavior but recognized that his actions crossed a line. He described the gesture as “inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game.”
The suspension marks a significant disciplinary measure for Gardner-Johnson, who plays a key role in the Bills’ defense as they contend in a tightly contested NFL season. The decision underscores the league’s willingness to enforce conduct standards on the field during high-stakes games.
