Saints safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was fined for his role in Sunday’s altercation with Bears receiver Javon Wims.
Despite never throwing a punch, Gardner-Johnson was fined $5,128 for unsportsmanlike conduct. He antagonized Wims by ripping the mouthpiece from his facemask earlier in the third quarter.
Sources said Wims told the Bears that Gardner-Johnson spat at him, though the safety denied doing so earlier this week. Wims threw two punches at him and was ejected. Gardner-Johnson, intentionally, kept his arms at his side.
Monday, the NFL suspended Wims for two games; on Wednesday, his appeal was denied. He won’t receive a paycheck for the next two weeks and will be eligible to return just in time for the Bears’ bye week.
The Bears said Wims’ behavior was unacceptable, no matter the circumstance. Gardner-Johnson, though, has a history as an instigator — he was the teammate that star receiver Michael Thomas fought with in practice last month. The Saints suspended Thomas, who was injured, one game.
