Bills Safety Faces NFL Discipline After Spitting at Raiders' Brock Bowers

The Las Vegas Raiders lost a close game to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, but an ugly incident involving Brock Bowers could have consequences beyond the final whistle.

Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected late in the first half of Buffalo's 33-30 victory after officials determined he spit toward Raiders tight end Brock Bowers during a heated exchange.

Gardner-Johnson acknowledged losing control of his emotions and expects possible additional NFL punishment, Reuters reported.

"I let my emotions get above me and I hurt my team," Gardner-Johnson told reporters. "I got to do better and control my emotions."

The incident occurred with 19 seconds remaining in the second quarter after quarterback Kirk Cousins threw an incomplete pass intended for Tre Tucker.

Gardner-Johnson and Bowers exchanged words before Bowers turned toward the Raiders' huddle. Replays showed Gardner-Johnson spitting in Bowers' direction, with center Tyler Linderbaum nearby.

Referee Shawn Smith confirmed that umpire Tra Blake witnessed the incident, according to Pro Football Talk.

"He saw him spit on the opponent," Smith said.

Gardner-Johnson did not directly acknowledge spitting at Bowers but insisted the confrontation wasn't personal.

"We were just arguing and talking," he said. "It was nothing negative. He ain't do nothing to me."

Bowers, who had been expected to play a major role against Buffalo's injury-depleted secondary, offered little explanation.

"Just talking a little bit and then ... I don't know," Bowers said.

Bills coach Joe Brady was less forgiving.

"The discipline of our football team has to improve and that sure as hell can't happen," Brady said, according to The Associated Press.

Brady instructed Gardner-Johnson to apologize to his teammates, which the safety said he did.

Buffalo's defense had faced questions entering Sunday's matchup against the Raiders. Gardner-Johnson's afternoon ended before halftime.

The resulting penalty helped Las Vegas extend a drive that ended with Matt Gay's 27-yard field goal, tying the game at 13.

Gardner-Johnson, 28, was previously ejected while playing for Philadelphia against Washington in December 2024 after receiving two unsportsmanlike-conduct penalties.

Sunday marked his second career ejection.

The Raiders rallied from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit, but Cousins' 313 passing yards and two touchdowns weren't enough to prevent a 33-30 loss.

Gardner-Johnson now faces possible additional NFL discipline, although no fine or suspension has been announced.