Bills DB Franklin Jr. Suspended for Spitting in Raiders Game

Sam Franklin Jr., a Buffalo Bills defensive back and special teams captain, has been suspended for one game without pay by the NFL for allegedly spitting at a Las Vegas Raiders player during Sunday’s 33-30 victory ^[1]. The incident occurred with 1:32 remaining, after a successful Raiders extra point, and marks the second Bills player suspended for spitting in the same game ^[2].

Franklin denies the allegation and plans to appeal the decision, according to sources cited by ESPN and The Independent ^[2][3]. The suspension stems from NFL bylaw Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which prohibits actions contrary to sportsmanship principles.

The first suspension came earlier in the game for safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was ejected and later apologized publicly, stating, "I'll take my consequences" and vowing to uphold the integrity of the game ^[3]. Gardner-Johnson, a Super Bowl champion with the Eagles in 2024, acknowledged he must better manage his emotions.

Franklin, a seven-year NFL veteran in his second season with the Bills, has played over three-quarters of the team’s special teams snaps this season and recorded six tackles in six games ^[2]. Unlike Gardner-Johnson, no on-field penalty was assessed, and no video of the alleged incident was immediately available ^[3].

Barring a successful appeal, Franklin will miss the Bills’ Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Buffalo is on a bye this week, so the suspension spans from October 26 to November 2 ^[2]. Appeals are reviewed by a panel of former players and coaches jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA—Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera, or James Thrash^[3].

Bills coach Joe Brady addressed the earlier suspension, stating he believes spitting crosses a line but emphasized that not all players need to behave identically to build a winning culture ^[2]. Neither Franklin nor Brady was available for comment at press time ^[3].