The Bills’ spitting scandal has come to a shut.
Bills defensive back Sam Franklin got his one-game suspension overturned Friday, successful an enchantment to the NFL after the league penalized him for allegedly spitting at an opposing participant during Buffalo’s Week 6 win over the Raiders.
Rather than a suspension, the NFL decreased Franklin’s punishment to a $14,926 advantageous, according to a assertion from the league.
Buffalo Bills security Sam Franklin Jr. (28) waves to the Jacksonville Jaguars crowd during the fourth quarter of an NFL soccer AFC Wild Card playoff matchup on Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
The league announced Wednesday that they were suspending Franklin, 30, for one sport for seemingly spitting on Las Vegas offensive lineman DJ Glaze after an additional level try in the fourth quarter of the Bills’ 33-30 victory.
Video of the play exhibits the two getting into it following the kick, but it’s unclear whether Franklin truly spat on Glaze.
Upon the suspension being overturned, Franklin’s brokers again vehemently denied the spitting allegations, including that they are “glad” that the ordeal is over.
“As we said from the start, Sam did not and would never spit at an opponent, and there was no evidence that he did,” Franklin’s brokers Harold C. Lewis and Christian Addison said in a assertion to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. “We’re glad the suspension was overturned and grateful to the listening to officer for a honest and thorough overview.
So here’s the alleged spitting incident. #Bills DB Sam Franklin Jr. (28) takes a shot beneath the belt from #Raiders T DJ Glaze (71). Franklin confronts Glaze, who then alerts to an official. Franklin is adamant there was no spitting. Too robust to see anything clearly here. pic.twitter.com/RzK6M2WY9q
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 21, 2026
“It’s unfortunate the league suspended Sam in the first place based on an unsupported accusation that received so much undeserved attention, and we hope the outcome is covered just as widely.”
They also introduced consideration to Glaze’s actions towards Franklin during the play.
“We also hope the league takes a serious look at the opposing player’s conduct, including striking Sam in the groin twice during the game,” the assertion added. “We’re glad this is behind him, so Sam can get back to focusing on his teammates and next Sunday.”
Buffalo Bills’ Sam Franklin Jr. (28) reacts to a play during the fourth quarter of an NFL soccer sport against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Oct. 18, 2026. The Bills defeated the Raiders 33-30. Getty Images
The NFL also suspended Franklin’s teammate C.J. Gardner-Johnson for a sport after he was ejected for spitting in the same sport.
Gardner-Johnson appeared to spit at Raiders tight finish Brock Bowers in the third quarter, prompting his ejection.
Unlike Franklin, however, Gardner-Johnson’s suspension was upheld on Thursday.