BILLS DB TO APPEAL NFL SUSPENSION FOR SPIT

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin appealed the NFL’s decision to suspend him for one game without pay for allegedly spitting at a Raiders opponent during a game last weekend, the player’s agent said on Wednesday.

The appeal was launched within hours of the NFL issuing the suspension, with a hearing scheduled to take place today.

Franklin also denied the allegation in a message posted on his Instagram account.

He said he was defending himself without spitting at anyone. His post included a video showing Las Vegas offensive lineman Delmar Glaze appearing to strike Franklin in a sensitive area below the waist during a Raiders’ extra-point attempt.

Without providing details or video evidence, the NFL said it disciplined Franklin after determining he spit at an opponent following the extra-point attempt with 1:32 remaining. Franklin was not penalized following the play.

Franklin joins Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in getting a one-game suspension for spitting in the direction of Raiders players.