NFL suspends 2nd Bills player for spitting, though Sam Franklin denies allegation and plans appeal

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin became the team’s second player to be suspended by the NFL for one game without pay for spitting at a Raiders opponent during a game last weekend, the league announced Wednesday. Franklin, however, denies the allegation and intends to appeal the suspension, a person with knowledge of discussions about the punishment told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the discussions were to remain private. The NFL disciplined Franklin for violating its sportsmanship rules after determining he spit at an opponent following the Raiders successful extra-point attempt with 1:32 remaining in Buffalo’s 33-30 win at Las Vegas on Sunday. Franklin is a special teams ace and joins Bills starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in getting a one-game suspension for spitting in the direction of Raiders players. Gardner-Johnson was ejected for his action during the second quarter, which was captured