Bills Defensive Back Sam Franklin Suspended One Game, Plans Appeal
Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin has been suspended by the NFL for one game without pay for allegedly spitting at an opponent, but Franklin denies the accusation and intends to appeal the decision.
Lansing, MI, October 21, 2026 —
Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin has received a one-game suspension without pay from the NFL over an allegation that he spat at an opponent. Franklin denies the accusation and intends to appeal the decision.
The available information does not identify the opponent or say when the alleged incident occurred. It also does not specify when the suspension was announced, which game it could affect, or when Franklin’s appeal may be heard.
The allegation remains disputed: the league has imposed a suspension, while Franklin rejects the accusation. No further details about the league’s decision or the basis for it were provided. The information available also does not describe any evidence, statements from the opponent or the team, or whether the NFL has commented beyond issuing the suspension.
Franklin’s appeal means the decision is subject to further review. The appeal’s outcome and any changes to the suspension have not been provided. Until additional information is available, the stated facts are limited to the one-game, unpaid suspension, the allegation involving an opponent, Franklin’s denial and his intention to appeal.
Additional details about the timing and circumstances of the incident, the appeal process and the potential effect on Franklin’s availability were not included in the information provided.
Story summarized from the original created by JOHN WAWROW, Associated Press on www.wlns.com, see more information here.
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