The NFL has issued a one-game suspension to
The incident reportedly took place with 1:32 remaining in the contest, shortly after the Raiders successfully converted an extra point during the Bills' 33-30 win. According to reports, Franklin denies the allegation and plans to formally appeal the suspension. If the ruling stands, he will be sidelined for Buffalo's upcoming Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, as the team is currently on a bye.
League disciplinary action and context
This suspension marks the second time in the same game that a Buffalo player has been penalized for such an act. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was also handed a one-game suspension without pay for an earlier altercation in which he was found to have spit in the direction of Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. Both rulings were made under NFL bylaw rule 12, section 3, article 1, which prohibits conduct contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.
Should Franklin proceed with his appeal, the case will be heard by one of the jointly appointed officers—Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera, or James Thrash—who are tasked with handling such disputes between the league and the NFL Players Association. Franklin, a seven-year veteran currently in his second season with Buffalo, has been a core contributor on special teams, participating in over 75 percent of the unit's snaps this year and recording six tackles across six appearances.
Addressing the broader situation regarding player conduct earlier this week, Bills coach Joe Brady stated that the team would not be issuing additional internal punishment beyond the league's ruling. While acknowledging that spitting at an opponent is unacceptable, Brady emphasized his focus on maintaining a competitive culture within the locker room.
