The NFL has suspended Buffalo Bills defensive back and special teams captain Sam Franklin Jr. for one game without pay following an incident during Sunday’s 33-30 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Franklin’s suspension stems from an incident following a Raiders extra point with 1:32 remaining in the fourth quarter.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Franklin plans to appeal the league’s decision.
The NFL determined that Franklin violated its rules regarding unsportsmanlike conduct, which prohibit actions that go against accepted standards of sportsmanship.
Following the announcement, Franklin shared a slow-motion replay of the play on social media, disputing the characterization of his actions.
Franklin suggested he was responding to contact from an opposing player and maintained that he did not spit at anyone.
The suspension makes Franklin the second Buffalo defender disciplined for a spitting incident during the same game.
Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson also received a one-game suspension without pay after being ejected for spitting toward Raiders tight end Brock Bowers late in the first half.
Unless his appeal is successful, Franklin will miss Buffalo’s Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens following the team’s bye week.
The seven-year NFL veteran is in his second season with Buffalo and has played more than three-quarters of the team’s special teams snaps this season. Franklin has recorded six tackles through six games.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
