The NFL suspended Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson for one game without pay after he spit toward Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers during Sunday’s game, according to the league announcement reported Monday, Oct. 19, 2026.
The incident occurred late in the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Officials penalized Gardner-Johnson for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected him from the game. The penalty moved Las Vegas into field-goal range before halftime. The Raiders kicked a field goal to tie the score at the break, but Buffalo went on to win 33-30.
After the game, Gardner-Johnson apologized in a post on Instagram Stories. He said his conduct was inappropriate and unnecessary, and that it did not represent the respect he had for Bowers or the game. He also said there was no excuse for his actions and that he accepted responsibility.
The suspension will keep Gardner-Johnson out of Buffalo’s upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens. The source does not provide a date for that matchup or additional details about the NFL’s disciplinary process.
The source also cites prior incidents involving Gardner-Johnson. During the 2020 season, Saints teammate Michael Thomas punched him at practice after reportedly being provoked. Later that season, Bears receiver Javon Wims punched Gardner-Johnson during a game after Gardner-Johnson removed Wims’ mouthpiece from his helmet. The following year, Bears receiver Anthony Miller was ejected after throwing a punch at Gardner-Johnson during a playoff game.
The account further notes that Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was fined $57,222 and lost a game check after spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in the previous season. It does not state whether that earlier case directly affected the league’s decision in Gardner-Johnson’s case.
