Bills’ Sam Franklin Gets Punishment Reduced by NFL After Spitting Incident Against Raiders

The NFL has reduced Buffalo Bills safety and special teams captain Sam Franklin Jr.'s one-game suspension to a $14,926 fine following an appeal. Franklin was initially suspended for allegedly spitting toward an opponent during Buffalo's 33-30 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Hearing officer James Thrash adjusted the ruling, making Franklin available for Buffalo's Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens following their Week 7 bye.

Franklin strongly denied the allegation, citing a lack of clear footage and claiming a Raiders player struck him in the groin during the play. Meanwhile, teammate C.J. Gardner-Johnson had his one-game suspension upheld on appeal after spitting toward Raiders players Brock Bowers and Tyler Linderbaum.