NFL suspends Bills’ Sam Franklin Jr. for one game

The NFL suspended Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. for one game without pay after the league said he spat at an opponent during the team’s Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Franklin denies the allegation and is expected to appeal. The league said the alleged incident violated its rule against conduct contrary to generally understood principles of sportsmanship. It occurred in the fourth quarter of Buffalo’s 33-30 win in Las Vegas. Franklin’s suspension is scheduled to begin October 26, and he is eligible to return to the active roster November 2. Buffalo is on a bye this week and is scheduled to host the Baltimore Ravens on November 1. Franklin is therefore expected to miss that game. The appeal’s outcome has not been reported. Franklin is the second Bills player suspended for spitting during the game. The NFL announced a one-game, unpaid suspension for safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Monday after an incident in the second quarter. Broadcast video showed spit leaving Gardner-Johnson’s mouth and flying toward Raiders players; he was ejected from the game. Bills coach Joe Brady called Gardner-Johnson’s conduct inexcusable and said the player had addressed...