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Bills Release Gardner-Johnson After One-Game Suspension
Confirmed
In Short: The Bills' decision to release Gardner-Johnson came after he served his one-game suspension during the team's win over the Baltimore Ravens.
The Buffalo Bills announced on Tuesday that they have released safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was serving a one-game suspension for spitting on a player during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Gardner-Johnson, 28, was ejected from the game just before halftime for spitting in the direction of tight end Brock Bowers, an act that led to a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and his automatic disqualification from the game.
In a statement, Gardner-Johnson acknowledged his mistake, saying, "My passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who I am, but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed."
Gardner-Johnson, who signed with the Bills over the offseason on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million, had started six games for the team this season, recording 26 tackles, two passes defended, and one interception.
Despite his strong defensive performance, Gardner-Johnson's behavior was a concern for the Bills. He had previously been accused of spitting on Bears receiver Javon Wims in 2020, leading to a physical altercation.
The Bills' decision to release Gardner-Johnson came after he served his one-game suspension during the team's win over the Baltimore Ravens. The team's active safeties, Damar Hamlin and Jordan Poyer, performed well in his absence.
Gardner-Johnson's career has been marked by frequent changes, having played for six teams in the past five years. He was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Bills had hoped that Gardner-Johnson could bring a veteran presence to their defense, but his actions on the field ultimately led to his release.
Gardner-Johnson's departure leaves the Bills with a decision on how to fill the void left by his absence, as he did not play any special teams snaps through the first six weeks of the season.
The team's focus now shifts to finding a replacement for Gardner-Johnson, as they look to maintain their defensive strength for the remainder of the season.
What this adds
The NFL cited its rule against acts contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship in issuing Gardner-Johnson's suspension.
Gardner-Johnson's release could bring additional discipline from the NFL, including a fine or further suspension.
What's confirmed
- Bills safety Damar Hamlin was "as consistent as can be," on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, said coach Joe Brady.
- Gardner-Johnson, the team announced on Tuesday.
What's still developing
- DJ Moore, a four-time 1,000-yard receiver, caught a 49-yard pass on the Bills' first possession of the second half to help them pull away for … What did we learn, what’s trending and what’s next for the Buffalo Bills?
- That also led to the NFL handing down a one-game suspension on the 28-year-old, which he served during last Sunday's win over Baltimore following Buffalo's Week 7 bye.
- Hamlin and Stone were Buffalo's active safeties for its Week 8 win over Baltimore while Gardner-Johnson was serving his suspension, and the sense within the building is that the options on the roster played well enough to justify longer looks at the job with or without Gardner-Johnson in the fold.
- Coach Joe Brady was non-committal regarding Gardner-Johnson’s status with the team when the NFL issued its suspension as the Bills entered their bye week off two weeks ago.
- Although Gardner-Johnson finished third in snaps on a championship defense, the Eagles traded him to the Texans a month after they routed the Chiefs, 40-22, in the Super Bowl.
- MORE: NFL power rankings entering Week 9: All 32 teams ranked worst to first Buffalo has decided to release Gardner-Johnson, bringing his time with the organization to an end after six starts.
- After starting six games for the Bills, Gardner-Johnson will now have to look for another opportunity elsewhere in the league.
- Many commenters online said they hadn’t noticed the spitting at first.
- After splitting the 2024 season between the Rams and Baltimore, White re-signed with the Bills and had 16 starts last season.
- Watch more Bills coverage: Highmark Stadium tax on Buffalo Bills fans brings in more than $1M for Erie County Sunday’s incident could bring additional discipline from the NFL, including a fine or possible suspension.
- "I owe my team-mates an apology and to be a man about it," Gardner-Johnson said following the game.