Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson issued a groveling apology for spitting on an opponent on Sunday, before an NFL rival accused him of doing the same thing to him last season.During the second quarter of their game against the Las Vegas Raiders, the divisive Bills safety approached Raiders tight end Brock Bowers for a heated exchange of words – before spitting in his rival’s direction.The disgusting incident occurred right in front of an official, who quickly flagged the action. Gardner-Johnson was ejected from the game soon after and left the field with a bizarre grin on his face.Hours later, the 28-year-old posted a lengthy apology on his Instagram story.He wrote: ‘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.’My passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who I am, but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed. The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game.’ Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson issued a groveling apology for spitting on an opponent He said the incident ‘was inappropriate and unnecessary’ and ‘does not define my character’He continued: ‘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.’One moment does not define my character, but how I respond to that moment matters. I will learn from this, grow from it, and continue to lead with the integrity, passion, and respect that have carried me throughout my career.’I love this game, I respect this game, and I will always protect the integrity of this game. My actions will speak louder than my words moving forward.’The ejection also prompted a reaction from San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who alleged on social media that Gardner-Johnson had spit on him previously.’This is the least surprising thing ever,’ Juszczyk posted, adding that Gardner-Johnson ‘spit on me last year when we beat Chicago.’Gardner-Johnson was ejected in 2024 while playing for Philadelphia and has been fined numerous times during his NFL career, though he has never been suspended.Buffalo is his sixth NFL team in eight seasons. He previously played for New Orleans, Philadelphia, Detroit, Houston and Chicago before signing a one-year contract with the Bills. The Bills safety was seen spitting at a Las Vegas Raiders rival during their Week 6 clash 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk alleged on social media that Gardner-Johnson had spit on him Bills coach Joe Brady said the incident reflected poorly on his team.’The discipline of our football team has to improve and that sure as hell can´t happen,’ Brady said. ‘The team is bigger than that, the situation is bigger than that, everything is bigger. It can´t happen, and it definitely has to be addressed.’Brady said he hadn´t reviewed video of the incident but that officials told him the violation was clear.’At the end of the day, if it shows up like that, like that can´t happen,’ Brady said. ‘It´s uncalled for. It can´t happen. It is going to be addressed, and the team is way more important.’Raiders coach Klint Kubiak praised his players for not retaliating, saying they had been warned about potential confrontations.’That´s the expectation,’ Kubiak said. ‘We knew going in there are certain guys that are going to try to do that to us, and the players knew before the game that if they got into it, they´d be standing by me on the sideline.’