Bills Safety Sam Franklin Challenges NFL Suspension Over Spitting Allegations
Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin is appealing a one-game NFL suspension, vehemently denying claims he spit at a Las Vegas Raiders opponent.
POLICY WIRE — Orchard Park, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin has formally appealed a one-game, unpaid suspension handed down by the NFL following accusations that he spit at a Las Vegas Raiders player during last weekend’s matchup.
The appeal process began shortly after the league announced the disciplinary action, with a hearing set for Thursday. Harold Lewis, representing Franklin, stated, “We adamantly deny Sam spit on anyone,” adding that they expect the hearing to result in full exoneration for the player.
Franklin also took to Instagram to defend his reputation, asserting that he is not a dirty player and was merely reacting to physical provocation. He shared a video clip appearing to show Raiders offensive lineman Delmar Glaze striking him in the groin area during an extra-point attempt in Buffalo’s 33-30 victory.
The NFL maintains that Franklin violated sportsmanship policies by spitting at an opponent with 1:32 remaining in the game, though the league has not released specific evidence. Lewis noted that Franklin had been subjected to similar physical contact during an earlier field-goal attempt.
The appeal will be heard by James Thrash, a joint appointee of the NFL and the NFLPA. If the suspension stands, it is scheduled to span from Monday through November 2, covering the Bills’ upcoming bye week and their game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Franklin’s teammate, starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, was also suspended for one game for a similar incident during the same contest. While Gardner-Johnson was ejected and subsequently apologized for his actions, Franklin was not penalized on the field at the time of the alleged incident.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
