Bills safety Sam Franklin's ban replaced by US$14,926 fine
Franklin is set to play in Week 8, but fellow Buffalo safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson's one-game suspension remains in place.
Buffalo Bills safety Sam Franklin will face a US$14,926 fine rather than a one-game suspension after winning his appeal, the NFL announced. The discipline concerns an allegation that he spat at a Raiders player during Week 6.
The league said the fine was for unsportsmanlike conduct. Hearing officer James Thrash handled Franklin's appeal under a joint appointment by the NFL and its players' association.
The alleged incident followed a Las Vegas extra point with 1:32 remaining in a game Buffalo won 33-30. Franklin denied spitting at the player and said he would immediately challenge the suspension.
The decision leaves Franklin set to play in Week 8 following Buffalo's bye. Fellow Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson will still be unavailable: his appeal did not overturn a one-game suspension for spitting at a Raiders player.
