Overview
- Officials ejected Gardner-Johnson after broadcast replays and the umpire showed him spitting in the direction of Raiders players during the first half of the Week 6 game on Sunday.
- Gardner-Johnson apologized to teammates, said he let his emotions get the best of him, and told reporters he expects league discipline.
- The unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty was enforced before halftime and shortened the field for the Raiders’ tying field goal, forcing Buffalo to play the second half without a starting safety.
- Gardner-Johnson has a long record of fines and at least one prior ejection, and the NFL’s 2025 shift on spitting cases makes a one-game suspension a realistic possibility.
- The incident drew sharp criticism from broadcasters and reporters who urged roster action, and a San Francisco player posted an allegation that Gardner-Johnson spat on him previously, adding to the team’s decision pressures over the upcoming bye week.