Bills' Sam Franklin Jr. suspended one game over alleged spitting, denies it and appeals
In short
The NFL suspended Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. for one game over what the league called a spitting incident against the Las Vegas Raiders. Franklin denies the allegation and is appealing, according to reports. He is the second Bills player suspended over a spitting-related incident from the same game, after C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
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The NFL suspended Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. for one game for unsportsmanlike conduct, which the league said was a spitting incident against the Las Vegas Raiders. Reuters headlined its report of the suspension "Second spitter", and Newsweek reported that Franklin is challenging the league's allegation. [ 1 , 2 ]
Newsweek cited Adam Schefter as reporting the suspension and later adding that Franklin denies the allegation and plans to appeal. The league said the conduct violated its sportsmanship rules. The incident occurred with 1:32 remaining in the fourth quarter of Buffalo's 33-30 win over Las Vegas, and Franklin allegedly spat at a Raiders player after Las Vegas scored an extra point, according to Newsweek. [ 2 ]
Fox News reported that sources told ESPN and The Associated Press that Franklin maintains he did not spit on a Raiders player and is appealing the one-game, unpaid suspension. He reportedly filed the appeal the same day the NFL announced its action. Fox News said the appeals process is not public, but that under the collective bargaining agreement appeals are heard by one of four people, former players Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson and James Thrash or former coach Ron Rivera, who were jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA. [ 3 ]
Franklin denied the allegation in an Instagram post, writing "Not a dirty play what so ever! Will always defend myself though. Still won't spit on anyone." Fox News said the post included a slow-motion replay showing Las Vegas offensive lineman Delmar Glaze appearing to strike Franklin in a sensitive area. Newsweek, citing NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk, said WGR's Sal Capaccio reported that Franklin "vehemently denies" spitting at a Raiders player. [ 2 , 3 ]
Franklin is the second Bills player suspended over a spitting-related incident from the game. Fellow defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson also received a one-game suspension after he appeared to spit in the direction of Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, according to Fox News. Newsweek said Gardner-Johnson was ejected. Fox News said both suspensions were issued under NFL Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, and that other details of Franklin's discipline were not immediately revealed by the league. Newsweek said the appeal will be key to whether Franklin misses the Ravens game. [ 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The outcome of Franklin's appeal will determine whether he misses the Bills' next game against the Ravens, according to Newsweek. Two Buffalo players have now faced discipline over similar allegations from one game.
Key facts
- The NFL suspended Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. for one game without pay for unsportsmanlike conduct, which the league said was a spitting incident against the Las Vegas Raiders. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The incident occurred with 1:32 remaining in the fourth quarter of Buffalo's 33-30 win over Las Vegas. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Franklin denies spitting at a Raiders player and is appealing the suspension. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Teammate C.J. Gardner-Johnson also received a one-game suspension over a spitting-related incident in the same game, involving Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Both suspensions were issued under NFL Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which covers acts contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship, according to Fox News. [ 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Franklin was suspended for one game over an alleged spitting incident against the Raiders. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Franklin denies the allegation and will appeal. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Gardner-Johnson also received a one-game suspension over a spitting-related incident in the same game. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The incident came with 1:32 remaining in Buffalo's 33-30 win over Las Vegas. [ 2 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- Whether Franklin's appeal will succeed and whether he will miss the Ravens game. Newsweek said the appeal will determine this; Fox News said the appeals process is not public and that other details of the discipline were not immediately revealed by the league.
- What happened between Franklin and the Raiders player. The league alleges spitting and Franklin denies it. Fox News said his Instagram post included a slow-motion replay showing Raiders lineman Delmar Glaze appearing to strike him. Newsweek said he allegedly spat at a Raiders player after Las Vegas scored an extra point.