The ruling came down on Wednesday. According to the league’s notice, laid out in NFL.com’s news round-up, Sam Franklin Jr. spat at an opponent with 1:32 left in the fourth quarter of Buffalo’s 33-30 win at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, moments after a Raiders extra point. The infraction cited is Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, the catch-all against “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”

Franklin does not accept that version. He intends to appeal, and said as much on Instagram.

“Not a dirty play what so ever! Will always defend myself though. Still won’t spit on anyone,” he wrote, hinting at being struck first with the hashtag #notthemcnuggets.

Sal Capaccio of WGR reported that Franklin “vehemently denies this ever happening.” The appeal, under the NFL’s agreement with the players’ union, would be heard by one of four jointly appointed officers: Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera or James Thrash.

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Gardner-Johnson’s ban came first

The first wave of discipline from Las Vegas landed earlier in the week on C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The Bills safety was suspended one game after being caught on camera spitting in the direction of Raiders tight end Brock Bowers during the same contest, an incident that got him ejected in real time.

“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 said after the suspension, per Bleacher Report.

Two separate spitting bans out of one game is unusual, and Franklin’s would make it the second levied against a Bills defender in three days.

Both set to miss Baltimore

Buffalo (5-1) is already on its bye and does not play again until Week 8. The suspension window runs Monday, October 26 through Monday, November 2, which lines up precisely with the home date against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, November 1.

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Franklin, a seven-year veteran in his second season with the Bills, has played in all six of their games this season and features heavily on special teams. Unless the appeal clears him, he and Gardner-Johnson will sit side by side when Baltimore comes to Highmark Stadium.

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