10/21/2026 01:15:00
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10/21 13:14 CDT Bills DB Sam Franklin appeals NFL's 1-game suspension for
spitting at Raiders player, AP source says
Bills DB Sam Franklin appeals NFL's 1-game suspension for spitting at Raiders
player, AP source says
By JOHN WAWROW
AP Sports Writer
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) --- Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin has
appealed the NFL's decision to suspend him for one game without pay for
allegedly spitting at a Raiders opponent during a game last weekend, a person
with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the appeals
process is not public. The appeal was filed the same day the NFL announced its
disciplinary action, making Franklin the second Bills player to be suspended
for spitting during their game Sunday in Las Vegas.
Franklin denied the allegation in a message posted on his Instagram account,
saying he's "not a dirty player."
He said he was defending himself without resorting to spitting at anyone. His
social media post included a video showing Las Vegas offensive lineman Delmar
Glaze appearing to strike Franklin in a sensitive area below the waist during
the Raiders' successful extra-point attempt in Buffalo's 33-30 win.
Without providing details or video evidence, the NFL said it disciplined
Franklin for violating its sportsmanship rules after determining he spit at an
opponent following the extra-point attempt with 1:32 remaining.
The timing of the appeals hearing was not immediately available. The Bills
(5-1) have a bye weekend and Franklin's suspension was set to begin Monday and
run through Nov. 2, a day after the Bills host the Baltimore Ravens.
Under the collective bargaining agreement, appeals will be 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 NFLPA.
Franklin is a special teams ace and joins Bills starting safety C.J.
Gardner-Johnson in getting a one-game suspension for spitting in the direction
of Raiders players.
Gardner-Johnson was ejected for his action during the second quarter, which was
captured by TV cameras and replayed during the broadcast. Following the game,
Gardner-Johnson apologized to his teammates. He also told reporters, "I'll take
my consequences," while adding that he has to be better at controlling his
emotions.
Franklin, meanwhile, was not initially penalized following the play.
A video posted on social media by an NFL Network reporter shows a scuffle
occurring following the successful PAT, with Glaze blocking Bills linebacker
Michael Hoecht while at the same time pulling Franklin's undershirt. Franklin
responded by shoving Glaze from the side. Glaze then turned to Franklin and
appeared to shove the Bills player's helmet.
It's not clear whether Franklin spit at anyone. And the 14-second clip he
posted did not show the scuffle that followed.
With the team off, coach Joe Brady was not immediately made available to
reporters for comment.
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