ESPN
Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 04:28 PM1 min readVerified Wire
NFL Upholds C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s One-Game Suspension for Spitting Incident After Appeal
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C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s one-game suspension was upheld Friday by NFL hearing officer Jordy Nelson following his appeal, the league announced, cementing the Buffalo Bills safety’s absence for the team’s next contest. The disciplinary action stems from an altercation during Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, where Gardner-Johnson was accused of spitting at opposing players.
The suspension adds to Gardner-Johnson’s growing list of on-field disciplinary actions, a pattern that has defined his aggressive style since entering the NFL. The 27-year-old safety, acquired by Buffalo earlier this season, has built a reputation as a vocal and physical presence in the secondary, often walking the line between competitive intensity and conduct violations.
In a statement released Friday, the NFL confirmed that hearing officer Jordy Nelson reviewed the appeal and upheld the original penalty, citing video evidence and the severity of the spitting incident. Gardner-Johnson’s camp has not yet released a public comment, though sources close to the player suggested he remains frustrated with the outcome and is focusing on preparation for the upcoming game.
Gardner-Johnson will be sidelined for Buffalo’s next matchup, forcing the Bills’ secondary to adjust without one of its most versatile playmakers. The decision also reinforces the NFL’s strict stance on unsportsmanlike conduct amid heightened scrutiny of player behavior, potentially setting a precedent for future appeals involving similar infractions.