Bills’ Sam Franklin Jr. suspended over alleged spitting incident, plans appeal
The NFL imposed a one-game unpaid suspension after Buffalo’s win over Las Vegas. Franklin denies the allegation, and an appeal could determine whether he misses the Ravens game.
The NFL announced Wednesday, October 21, that Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. had been suspended for one game without pay over an alleged spitting incident during Buffalo’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Franklin denies the allegation and plans to appeal, according to ESPN and theScore. If the suspension stands, he would miss Buffalo’s next game, against the Baltimore Ravens.
The league said the incident occurred with 1:32 remaining in the fourth quarter, after a Raiders extra point. Buffalo won the Week 6 game 33–30. ESPN reported that the NFL based the penalty on Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which addresses conduct contrary to generally understood principles of sportsmanship.
What Franklin’s appeal could change
ESPN attributed the account of Franklin’s denial and planned appeal to sources who spoke to its Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. TheScore also reported the appeal plan, attributing it to a source cited by The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero. Neither report establishes that an appeal has been decided.
Buffalo has a bye this week. TheScore reported that, if the penalty is upheld, Franklin would begin serving it on October 26 and become eligible to return November 2, after the Bills’ November 1 game against Baltimore. ESPN said an appeal would be heard by Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera or James Thrash, arbitrators jointly appointed and paid by the NFL and its players’ association.
Second Bills suspension from Raiders game
Franklin is the second Buffalo defensive back suspended for a spitting incident in the Raiders game. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson received a separate one-game unpaid suspension after spitting in the direction of Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. The incidents occurred at different points in the game; Gardner-Johnson’s altercation came earlier.
Bills coach Joe Brady discussed Gardner-Johnson’s penalty with reporters Monday. According to ESPN, Brady said the team would impose no further punishment beyond the league’s ruling. His comments preceded the announcement concerning Franklin and addressed Gardner-Johnson’s case.
Franklin is in his second season with Buffalo and plays primarily on special teams. ESPN reported that the seven-year NFL veteran has appeared on more than three quarters of the Bills’ special-teams snaps this season and has made six tackles in six games. His potential absence would therefore affect a unit on which he has been a regular contributor.
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Sources and context
- Bills' Sam Franklin Jr. suspended one game for spitting; will appeal, per sourcesESPN
- Franklin becomes 2nd Bills player suspended for spitting vs. RaiderstheScore
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.