Overview
- Two spitting allegations from a Bills‑Raiders game produced different outcomes after appeals: hearing officer James Thrash reduced Sam Franklin’s one‑game suspension to a $14,926 fine, and C.J. Gardner‑Johnson’s one‑game suspension was upheld.
- Franklin denied the allegation, posted video he says shows a Raiders player striking him, and said he is relieved to be cleared to play; Raiders lineman D.J. Glaze continues to say Franklin spat on him.
- Bills coach Joe Brady publicly criticized the league’s process for relying on limited evidence and hearsay when disciplining players, saying the situation harms reputations without clear proof.
- The rulings affect Buffalo’s immediate game plan by restoring Franklin to special teams and depth charts while leaving the team without Gardner‑Johnson for the next game.
- The case highlights how NFL appeals hinge on clarity of broadcast and review footage under the league’s sportsmanship rule and suggests closer scrutiny of evidence standards could follow.