NFL suspends Buffalo Bills safety CJ Gardner-Johnson after grotesque spitting incident

The NFL announced on Monday that they have suspended Buffalo Bills safety C.J.

Gardner-Johnson for one game, without pay, after he spit at Las Vegas Raiders' Brock Bowers on Sunday.

Officials ejected Gardner-Johnson for spitting at the Raiders tight end late in the second quarter.

BILLS CORNERBACK DISMISSES EFTON CHISM'S MIRACULOUS ONE-HANDED TOUCHDOWN: 'PROBABLY WON'T HEAR FROM HIM AGAIN' Referees immediately flagged Gardner-Johnson for unsportsmanlike conduct and sent him to the lockers at Allegiant Stadium early.

The penalty positioned the Raiders comfortably down the field before halftime, allowing Las Vegas to boot a field goal and tie the game going into the break.

The Bills ultimately held on to win the game, 33-30.

Following the game, Gardner-Johnson issued an apology on social media.

NFL REFS HAVE SET ALL-TIME RECORD FOR FLAGS THIS SEASON, AND IT'S CHANGING THE OUTCOME OF GAMES "The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game," Gardner-Johnson posted on his Instagram stories.

"There is no excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability," the statement read in part.

"No matter how emotional or intense the competition gets, I have to hold myself to a higher standard." Gardner-Johnson being a problem for his team is frankly nothing new.

Just last season, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was slapped with a $57,222 fine and stripped of a game check after spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during Week 1.

THREE COWBOYS PLAYERS FINED MORE THAN $33,000 COMBINED AFTER SEASON-OPENING LOSS TO GIANTS Back in 2020, his own New Orleans Saints teammate Michael Thomas punched him during practice after Gardner-Johnson reportedly provoked him.

Later that season, Chicago Bears receiver Javon Wims threw a right hook at him during a live game after Gardner-Johnson ripped Wims' mouthpiece off his helmet.

The following year, another Bears receiver, Anthony Miller, was ejected for throwing a punch at Gardner-Johnson during a playoff game.