Sports · American Football · 1 hr ago
Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson ejected after apparent spitting incident
Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected during Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Las Vegas.
The incident happened just before halftime, after an altercation with Raiders players.
Accounts differ on whom he appeared to spit toward: one says tight end Brock Bowers, while another says Raiders offensive linemen, including center Tyler Linderbaum.
The officials penalized him and disqualified him, and the teams were tied 13-13 at halftime.
It was the second ejection of his NFL career; his first came in 2024, when he received two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
Gardner-Johnson has been an important part of Buffalo's defense, so his absence leaves the team with fewer options at safety.
The NFL could still suspend him, but no further discipline is stated.
Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders after an apparent spitting incident.
The ejection followed an altercation in the final minute before halftime.
CBS Sports reported that he spat at Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, while ESPN said he appeared to spit toward Raiders offensive linemen, including center Tyler Linderbaum.
The Bills and Raiders were tied 13-13 at halftime.
It was Gardner-Johnson’s second career ejection.
- Who
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a safety for the Buffalo Bills, and Raiders players.
- What
- Gardner-Johnson was ejected after an apparent spitting incident.
- When
- Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, in the second quarter, just before halftime.
- Where
- During the Bills’ game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Las Vegas.
- Why
- He received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after appearing to spit toward Raiders players.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Gardner-Johnson appeared to spit toward Raiders players during an altercation.
Gardner-Johnson was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected.
The Bills and Raiders were tied 13-13.
- Player
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson
- Teams
- Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders
- Incident
- Apparent spitting toward Raiders players
- Halftime score
- 13-13
- Career ejections
- Two
3 sources
Posts on X
C.J. Gardner-Johnson spits in the direction of Brock Bowers, leading to disqualification