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Sam Franklin wins appeal of one-game spitting suspension, has it reduced to a fine

Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin has successfully appealed his one-game suspension for what the NFL said was an act of spitting at an opponent on Sunday.

By The Associated Press · WKBW 7 News

Published: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 8:16 PM

Key Things to Know

Sam Franklin won his appeal of a one-game suspension, which was reduced to a $14,926 fine.
The decision clears Franklin to play in the Buffalo Bills' next game on Nov. 1 against Baltimore.
Franklin and his agent adamantly denied spitting on anyone during the game against the Raiders.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin has won his appeal against a one-game suspension for allegedly spitting at an opponent. Hearing officer James Thrash reduced the penalty to a $14,926 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct, making Franklin eligible to play on Nov. 1 against Baltimore.

Franklin and his agent denied the spitting allegation, with Franklin stating he acted in self-defense after being struck below the waist by Las Vegas offensive lineman Delmar Glaze. Meanwhile, teammate C.J. Gardner-Johnson had his separate one-game spitting suspension upheld.

Read the full article on WKBW 7 News

Sam Franklin wins appeal of one-game spitting suspension, has it reduced to a fine

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