NFL Makes Decision On C.J. Gardner-Johnson's Spitting Incident

The NFL has made a decision on what it's going to do with Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

After Gardner-Johnson was kicked out of Sunday's game between Buffalo and the Las Vegas Raiders, the league has announced that it is suspending him for one game "for an act of unsportsmanlike conduct."

Gardner-Johnson was ejected in the 2nd quarter of Sunday's 33-30 win in Las Vegas for spitting on Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. 

The 28-year-old safety said that it was something that happened in the "heat of the moment", and he didn't mean anything by it. However, head coach Joe Brady, who was visibly angry on the sideline, didn't have the same mindset when speaking of what happened.

The first-year Bills head coach called it unacceptable and saying that it can't happen and that they'll address it as a team.

Gardner-Johnson can appeal the decision. However, when speaking to the media after the game, he said that he would accept whatever the punishment is and try to move on.

With Buffalo on its Bye Week, the suspension doesn't start until Monday, October 26. From then, he'll be ineligible to practice or be around the team until Monday, November 2. Because of the suspension, Gardner-Johnson will miss Buffalo's game against the Baltimore Ravens in a contest that is certain to have massive playoff implications.

Whether he appeals or not, the Bills are likely to have to call up a safety from the practice squad to fill in his spot. There's also the possibility of a different roster move being made via trade or free agency if the team feels there's someone out there who can help the team more.

In response to being suspended, Gardner-Johnson did apologize to his teammates and admitted he needed to be better. But that didn't stop him from heading to social media from the locker room Sunday evening to block those who criticized the journeyman defensive back for being booted from the game.

In six games with the Bills this season, Gardner-Johnson has eight total tackles (six solo, and two assisted), two passes defended, and one interception. That interception came against the Los Angeles Chargers, and helped kickstart a Bills comeback that afternoon with a 41-yard return.

Pro Football Focus currently has him as the 69th rated safety in the NFL of 98 eligible players.