LAS VEGAS — Buffalo Bills defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been suspended one game by the NFL for spitting in the direction of two Las Vegas Raiders players during Sunday’s game at Allegiant Stadium.

Gardner-Johnson was bickering with Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and was captured by video cameras spitting as Bowers walked away.

It was Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum who immediately pointed it out to the officials.

Bowers said he wasn’t immediately aware after the game of what had even happened.

“I don’t even know,” Bowers said. “We were just talking a little bit and then … I don’t know.”

Gardner-Johnson, who has a lengthy disciplinary record with the NFL, spoke to reporters after the game before issuing a lengthy statement on his Instagram account late Sunday night.

“I want to take a moment to address my actions and sincerely apologize to my opponent, my teammates, my organization and everyone who supports me,” he wrote in part. “There is no excuse for my actions and I take full accountability. No matter how emotional or intense the competition gets, I have to hold myself to a higher standard.

“To my opponent, I sincerely apologize. We compete hard between those lines, but respect should always remain at the forefront.”

Gardner-Johnson has the right to appeal the suspension, which would be served in Week 8 after the Bills’ bye.

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