During Sunday’s game between the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders, Bills defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected for spitting at Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
The incident occurred in the first half of Sunday afternoon’s game, as Gardner-Johnson and Bowers exchanged words following a play.
According to the post-game pool report, an umpire saw Gardner-Johnson spit in Bowers’ direction, prompting his ejection from the game.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson spits in the direction of Brock Bowers, leading to disqualification pic.twitter.com/8zW4OYIP7o
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 18, 2026
“We were just arguing and talking,” Gardner-Johnson told reporters on Sunday. “It was nothing negative. He ain’t do nothing to me. It was just in the heat of the game arguing and talking…that gesture isn’t warranted.”
Gardner-Johnson’s Post-Game Apology To Bowers
The incident went viral on social media during and after the game, despite the Bills walking away with the win. On Monday, Gardner-Johnson issued a formal apology – and received discipline from the NFL.
“I want to take a moment to address my actions and sincerely apologize to my opponents, teammates, my organization and everyone who supports me,” he said in a statement.
Gardner-Johnson said that his “passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who I am,” but admitted that he crossed a line on Sunday.
“The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him and the game,” the defensive back continued.
Gardner-Johnson said that he takes “full accountability” for his actions, and that he intends to hold himself to a “higher standard.”
Details of C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s Suspension
Following the incident and Gardner-Johnson’s apology, the NFL has elected to suspend him for one game without pay. ESPN NFL insider Ian Rapoport explained the suspension in a social media post.
From the NFL: Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been suspended without pay for one game for an act of unsportsmanlike conduct during Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
During the second quarter, Gardner-Johnson spit at an opponent, violating Rule 12, Section 3,…— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 19, 2026
“During the second quarter, Gardner-Johnson spit at an opponent, violating Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to ‘any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.’,” Rapoport said.
“Gardner-Johnson’s suspension begins on Monday, October 26. He will be eligible to return to the Bills’ active roster on Monday, November 2, following the team’s November 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens.”
Gardner-Johnson has the right to appeal the suspension, but if it is upheld, he will miss one of the Bills’ biggest games of the season. Buffalo will face the Baltimore Ravens on November 1 following their upcoming bye week.
The Bills and Ravens have played multiple high-stakes games over the last few seasons, including two matchups in the AFC’s divisional round.
Last year during the regular season, Buffalo defeated Baltimore after trailing 34-19 in the fourth quarter – one of the most improbable comebacks in NFL history.
