The NFL has disciplined Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. following a spitting incident during Sunday’s 33-30 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
The league announced Wednesday that Franklin has been suspended without pay for one game for unsportsmanlike conduct. The incident occurred with 1:32 remaining in the fourth quarter following a Raiders extra point.
“Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. has been suspended without pay for one game for an act of unsportsmanlike conduct during Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders,” the NFL wrote in a statement. “With 1:32 remaining in the fourth quarter following Las Vegas’ successful extra point attempt, Franklin Jr. spit at an opponent, violating Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to ‘any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.’
“Franklin Jr.’s suspension begins on Monday, October 26. He will be eligible to return to the Bills’ active roster on Monday, November 2, following the team’s November 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Franklin Jr. may appeal the suspension.”
Franklin plans to appeal the suspension, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
“Any appeal will be heard and decided upon by either Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera, or James Thrash, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline,” the NFL’s statement added.
Franklin denied spitting at an opponent in an Instagram story posted after the punishment was announced, writing that he would “Not a dirty play what so ever! Will always defend myself though,” adding “Still won’t spit on anyone.”
Franklin becomes the second Bills player suspended for spitting during Sunday’s game. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson also received a one-game suspension after an earlier incident involving Raiders players.
Buffalo is on a bye this week, but unless Franklin wins his appeal, he will miss the Bills’ Nov. 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens.
