Second Bills Player Suspended for Spitting at Raiders Opponent

A second Buffalo Bills player has been suspended following an alleged spitting incident involving a Las Vegas Raiders opponent during Sunday's game, although he denies the allegation.

Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. received a one-game suspension without pay Wednesday following an incident late in Buffalo's 33-30 victory at Allegiant Stadium.

According to the NFL's official announcement, Franklin violated the league's sportsmanship rules by spitting at an opponent after a Raiders extra point with 1:32 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Franklin, however, disputes the allegation and has appealed the suspension, according to The Associated Press. His hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

The incident involved Raiders right tackle D.J. Glaze, who confronted Franklin following the extra point.

Video circulated by NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo shows Glaze blocking Buffalo linebacker Michael Hoecht and grabbing Franklin's undershirt. Franklin then shoved Glaze, who appeared to push Franklin's helmet.

The available footage does not clearly establish whether Franklin spat at anyone, although the NFL determined that his actions warranted discipline.

Franklin was not penalized during the game.

His suspension comes just two days after Buffalo safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was also handed a one-game suspension for spitting toward Raiders tight end Brock Bowers during the second quarter.

Gardner-Johnson was ejected following that incident, which occurred with 19 seconds remaining before halftime. Officials determined that he spat toward Bowers during an exchange between the players.

Unlike Franklin's incident, Gardner-Johnson's actions were captured on the television broadcast, and he later apologized to his teammates.

Both players were initially handed one-game suspensions that would keep them out of Buffalo's November 1 home game against the Baltimore Ravens, subject to any appeals.

The Bills have a bye this week, with Franklin's suspension scheduled to begin October 26. He would become eligible to return November 2 if the punishment is upheld.

The appeal will be decided by a hearing officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association.

The disciplinary developments add another chapter to a contentious game in which the Raiders pushed Buffalo to the finish before suffering their third consecutive defeat.

Las Vegas rallied from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit but ultimately fell short despite quarterback Kirk Cousins throwing for 313 yards and two touchdowns.

Buffalo improved to 5-1 with the victory, but the fallout from two separate incidents involving Raiders players has continued well beyond the final whistle.