Ventre’s Views: NFL Suspension Not Enough for CJ Gardner-Johnson, Bills Must Do More

Ralph Ventre argues that the Buffalo Bills should permanently release starting safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson following a one-game NFL suspension for an on-field spitting incident. Gardner-Johnson was suspended without pay for unsportsmanlike conduct, sidelining him for the team's upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens on November 1. Head coach Joe Brady stated that the behavior does not represent the franchise, though he indicated Gardner-Johnson remains part of the roster.

Ventre contends that Gardner-Johnson's ongoing distractions and behavioral issues outweigh his contributions on the field. The writer points to multiple incidents, including locker room livestreaming, verbal jabs at teammates, and repeated costly penalties. Ventre notes that Gardner-Johnson has recorded an 18.8 percent missed tackle rate through six games, arguing Buffalo must cut ties to maintain team standards.