Buffalo Bills safety Sam Franklin Jr.'s representatives are pushing back against the NFL's decision to suspend their client for one game without pay following an alleged spitting incident during Sunday's 33-30 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
The league announced the punishment Wednesday, accusing Franklin of violating its sportsmanship rules during the fourth quarter. However, the veteran defensive back denies the allegation and plans to challenge the ruling.
The Ringer's Tom Pelissero shared a statement Wednesday on X, formerly Twitter, from Franklin's agents, Harold C. Lewis and Christian Addison, who firmly rejected the accusation and expressed confidence that their client would be cleared during Thursday's appeal hearing.
“We adamantly deny Sam spit at anyone. We look forward to the process fully exonerating him tomorrow at the hearing and the apology he deserves.”
The NFL determined that Franklin violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, following a successful Raiders extra-point attempt with 1:32 remaining in Sunday's game.
Video shows Raiders tackle Delmar Glaze pulling Franklin’s undershirt before the two exchanged shoves. However, the available footage does not clearly establish whether Franklin spat at anyone, and the league has not publicly released additional evidence supporting its determination.
Franklin, Buffalo's special teams captain, also defended himself on Instagram.
Article Continues BelowFranklin's suspension follows teammate CJ Gardner-Johnson's one-game punishment for spitting toward Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. Officials ejected Gardner-Johnson, who later accepted responsibility for his actions.
Franklin’s representatives say his appeal hearing will take place Thursday, although no outlet has independently confirmed that date. As of Wednesday afternoon, the league has not announced a ruling.
If the suspension stands, Franklin will miss the Bills’ Week 8 home game against the Baltimore Ravens on November 1. He would then become eligible to return to the active roster November 2, ahead of Buffalo’s November 9 game at the Minnesota Vikings.