Buffalo Bills safety C. J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected from Sunday's 33-30 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders after an apparent spitting incident in the final minute of the first half.
With the Bills leading 13-10, Gardner-Johnson appeared to spit in the direction of Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and center Tyler Linderbaum following a heated exchange. Referee Shawn Smith confirmed umpire Tra Blake witnessed the act, triggering the ejection. Gardner-Johnson apologized postgame, calling the gesture unwarranted and acknowledging he needs to be a better veteran.
This marks his second 15-yard penalty in two weeks and first ejection since 2024. He expects league discipline. Bills coach Joe Brady requested the apology, while quarterback Josh Allen said the team would review the footage.
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak noted his team anticipated such an incident. Despite the loss of Gardner-Johnson, Buffalo held on as the Raiders threw for 313 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns against a struggling secondary.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing