Sam Franklin Suspended One Game Without Pay After Spitting Allegation
Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin has been suspended by the NFL for one game without pay for allegedly spitting at an opponent during a recent game. Franklin denies the accusation and plans to appeal the league's decision.
Peoria Bloomington, IL, October 21, 2026 —
Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin has been suspended by the NFL for one game without pay following an allegation that he spit at an opponent during a recent game. Franklin denies the accusation and plans to appeal the league’s decision.
The suspension is based on an alleged incident, not an account Franklin has accepted. The information provided does not identify the opponent or specify which game was involved. It also does not give the date the league announced the suspension or describe the conduct the league cited in reaching its decision.
Franklin’s planned appeal means the league’s decision is being challenged. No details were provided about when the appeal will be heard, what arguments Franklin intends to make or whether the suspension could be changed. The outcome of the appeal was not available in the information provided.
The one-game suspension is without pay, according to the summary of the league’s decision. No financial amount was specified. The information also does not state whether Franklin has previously faced discipline related to the accusation or provide further details about the game.
Franklin is identified as a defensive back for the Buffalo Bills. No statement from the team or the NFL was included, and no additional comments from Franklin were provided beyond his denial and plan to appeal. Further details about the league’s reasoning and the appeal process were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by JOHN WAWROW, Associated Press on www.centralillinoisproud.com, see more information here.
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