Sports · October 19, 2026
Gardner-Johnson expects fine after spitting incident in Bills' victory
Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected during Sunday's victory over the Las Vegas Raiders for spitting on tight end Brock Bowers. Following the incident, Gardner-Johnson issued a public apology on Instagram, citing his competitive nature while acknowledging he crossed a line. The NFL must now determine if Gardner-Johnson will face a suspension in addition to the ejection, following league precedents set in 2025 where spitting resulted in one-game suspensions or significant fines. Adding to the controversy, San Francisco 49ers player Kyle Juszczyk alleged on social media that Gardner-Johnson had previously spat on him during a 2025 matchup.
Read the original coverage
- ESPNSports network
Gardner-Johnson expects fine after spitting incident in Bills' victory
Read at ESPN ↗ - CBS SportsSports network
Bills
Read at CBS Sports ↗ - Yahoo SportsSports network
C.J. Gardner-Johnson faces a potential suspension for spitting
Read at Yahoo Sports ↗ - NBC SportsSports network
C.J. Gardner-Johnson faces a potential suspension for spitting
Read at NBC Sports ↗ - New York PostTabloid
CJ Gardner-Johnson’s spitting ejection sparks vile accusation from 49ers star
Read at New York Post ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected from the Bills-Raiders game for spitting on Brock Bowers.
- Gardner-Johnson issued a public apology via Instagram taking full accountability.
- The incident occurred during the second quarter of the game.
- Spitting is an automatic ejection under NFL rules.
Reported by only some outlets
- Kyle Juszczyk claimed Gardner-Johnson spat on him during a game last year.
- Gardner-Johnson expects to receive a fine from the NFL.
- Gardner-Johnson was previously ejected in 2024 for two personal fouls.
- The NFL transitioned in 2025 to treating spitting as a suspension-level offense.
Confirmed
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected for spitting on Brock Bowers.
- Gardner-Johnson apologized on Instagram.
- NFL rules mandate ejection for spitting.
Reported
- Gardner-Johnson expects a fine. (CBS Sports)
- Gardner-Johnson gave middle fingers to a crowd during a 2024 ejection. (CBS Sports)
Rumor
- Gardner-Johnson previously spat on Kyle Juszczyk. (Kyle Juszczyk)
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