C.J. Gardner-Johnson Ejected for Apparent Spitting Incident in Bills Victory

Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected in the final minute of the first half during a 33-30 win against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 33-30 on Sunday, despite the second-quarter disqualification of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. With Buffalo leading 13-10 in the final minute before halftime, Gardner-Johnson was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and ejected for appearing to spit toward Raiders offensive linemen, including center Tyler Linderbaum. The game was tied 13-13 at the intermission following the altercation.

Prior to his removal, Gardner-Johnson had been engaged in verbal exchanges with Raiders players throughout the half and missed two tackles early in the contest. Following the ejection, the Bills relied on Damar Hamlin, Jalon Kilgore, and Sam Franklin Jr. to fill the safety position alongside starter Cole Bishop.

This incident marks the second time Gardner-Johnson has been disqualified in his career, following a 2024 ejection as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles for two unsportsmanlike conduct infractions. The safety was previously penalized for unnecessary roughness during a Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Earlier this season, he drew attention for calling New England Patriots receiver Efton Chism III a practice squad player after Chism scored a game-winning touchdown against Buffalo in Week 4.