Bills coach Joe Brady critiques NFL's handling of Franklin's appeal
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 28, 2026, 11:38 PM
Last updated Oct 28, 2026
Buffalo Bills coach Joe Brady expressed concerns about the NFL’s disciplinary process after special teams player Sam Franklin successfully appealed a one-game suspension for allegedly spitting at an opponent. The NFL initially imposed the ban based on hearsay following an incident during Buffalo's 33-30 win against the Raiders. Franklin maintained his innocence and was relieved to have the suspension reduced to a fine, stating he did not spit during the altercation. Brady emphasized the importance of substantiated evidence in such cases, while noting that starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson will still serve his suspension for spitting. The Bills (5-1) are set to host the Baltimore Ravens (4-3) this Sunday.
- •Sam Franklin's one-game suspension was reduced to a $14,926 fine.
- •Franklin maintained he did not spit, showing video evidence of the incident.
- •C.J. Gardner-Johnson remains suspended for spitting during the same game.
- •The Bills prepare to face the Ravens on Sunday.
- •Joe Brady questioned reliance on hearsay in player discipline.
- 11:38 PMYahoo Sports — Bills coach Joe Brady questions NFL disciplinary process after Sam Franklin wins his appeal
"(AP) — Buffalo Bills coach Joe Brady on Wednesday questioned the NFL’s disciplinary process for relying on hearsay without substantiated proof in the wake of special teams player Sam Franklin successfully appealing his one-game suspension for allegedly spitting at an opponent.“An accusation on a player without evidence, and being hearsay, I think it sets a bad precedent,” Brady said as the AFC East-leading Bills (5-1) returned from their bye week to prepare to host Baltimore (4-3) on Sunday.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Oct 29, 2026, 12:16 AMArizona Cardinals give injury updates about Jeremiyah Love, others
NFL•Oct 29, 2026, 12:11 AMBills Give Injury Updates on Ed Oliver & D.J. Moore Before Ravens Game
NFL•Oct 28, 2026, 11:13 PMVikings are NFL’s last undefeated team, but Justin Jefferson beast must wake up to keep ride going
NFL•Oct 28, 2026, 10:10 PMMalik Washington listed as limited Wednesday
NFL•Oct 28, 2026, 7:30 PMYour 2026 NFL Week 8 announcing schedule- NFL•Oct 28, 2026, 7:04 PMEncouraging Lamar Jackson update rolls in before Ravens-Bills game
