There are plenty of ways to demonstrate toughness in the NFL. Making a big tackle, playing through adversity, or delivering in a critical moment.

But spitting toward another player?

Yeah, that's not one of them.

Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected Sunday afternoon after appearing to spit toward Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers during an altercation shortly before halftime.

Gold. Upgraded. Buy real gold from $1. Store it in America. Sell it with one click.

Officials assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and disqualified Gardner-Johnson.

And considering his history of confrontations, fines, and questionable behavior, this isn't exactly an isolated incident.

The Bills eventually defeated the Raiders, 33-30, improving to 5-1.

But instead of discussing another Buffalo victory, we're talking about a veteran defensive back who apparently couldn't get through two quarters without doing something completely ridiculous. Again.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

And now the NFL has another disciplinary decision to make.

What Happened in Las Vegas?
The incident occurred near the end of the second quarter.

Gardner-Johnson was exchanging words with Raiders players, including Bowers and center Tyler Linderbaum.

There was already plenty of jawing. Then Gardner-Johnson appeared to spit in their direction.

Officials intervened, threw a flag, and announced his disqualification.

Television replays showed the apparent spitting incident.

The penalty helped Las Vegas finish the half with a field goal, tying the game at 13.

Buffalo went on to win, but Gardner-Johnson's afternoon was finished and the potential consequences may extend beyond Sunday.

The NFL has established disciplinary precedent for spitting incidents. So while no additional punishment had been announced Sunday evening, a suspension is certainly possible.

That distinction matters. Gardner-Johnson was ejected, however he has not yet been officially suspended for this incident.

But the league has plenty of reasons to review what happened.

Haven't We Been Through This Already?
Remember Jalen Carter?

The Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle was ejected from the 2025 season opener after spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

The NFL subsequently announced a one-game suspension.

Because Carter was disqualified before participating in a single play, the league considered that suspension already served.

He also forfeited his game check.

Then came Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase.

Chase received a one-game suspension last November after spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey.

His appeal was denied.

Two incidents.

Two suspensions.

So the NFL has already demonstrated that this behavior can result in discipline beyond an in-game penalty.

Gardner-Johnson's situation isn't identical to either case.

But the precedent is obvious.

And if the league determines that Sunday's conduct warrants another suspension, nobody should act particularly surprised.

Gardner-Johnson's History Isn't Helping His Case
Here's where the story becomes particularly frustrating. Gardner-Johnson has already been fined twice this season.

According to FOX Sports, he received an $11,194 fine for a hip-drop tackle against Detroit in Week 2.

He received another $11,194 fine following Buffalo's overtime victory against the Rams last Monday, this time for striking, kicking, or kneeing.

Now he's been ejected. And we're only six weeks into the season. That's not a particularly encouraging pattern.

Gardner-Johnson was also ejected while playing for Philadelphia in December 2024 after receiving two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties against Washington.

He subsequently directed obscene gestures toward the crowd while leaving the field.

The guy clearly knows how to generate attention. Unfortunately, too much of that attention has absolutely nothing to do with playing football.

And that's a problem.

Gold is the oldest answer. SoundMoney makes owning it as easy as the apps you already use.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.