C.J. Gardner-Johnson accused of using ChatGPT to apologize after spitting at Brock Bowers

Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was sent off during Sunday's 33-30 win over the Raiders after appearing to spit toward Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. The incident happened during an argument late in the first half. Gardner-Johnson later posted a long apology on Instagram. He accepted responsibility for his actions and promised to learn from what happened.

However, many fans on social media are asking whether Gardner-Johnson wrote the message himself. Several people have accused him of using ChatGPT to write it.

Fans question who wrote Gardner-Johnson's apology

Gardner-Johnson's message spoke to his teammates, the Bills organization, the team's supporters and his opponent. However, he did not mention Bowers by name.

“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,” he wrote.

He admitted that his actions were “inappropriate” and “unnecessary”. He also said there was no excuse for what happened.

“One moment does not define my character, but how I respond to that moment matters,” Gardner-Johnson continued. “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.”

He also promised that his future actions would matter more than his words. But the long, carefully worded message soon became a topic of discussion itself. Several people on X wondered whether it sounded like an apology written by AI. One person wrote, “What in the ChatGPT is this apology?”

Other fans pointed out that Gardner-Johnson did not name Bowers or clearly explain what happened. One commenter said the apology could be used again for almost any controversy because it did not name the person involved or clearly state what Gardner-Johnson had done.

Gardner-Johnson was sent off against the Raiders

The criticism followed an argument during Sunday's game. Buffalo was leading 13-10 late in the second quarter when Gardner-Johnson and Bowers exchanged words after Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins threw an incomplete pass.

Television footage showed Gardner-Johnson spitting in Bowers' direction. Referee Shawn Smith later explained that umpire Tra Blake had seen the incident. Gardner-Johnson was then sent off for unsportsmanlike conduct.

After the game, Gardner-Johnson admitted that he needed to control his emotions and said he had let his team down. Bills head coach Joe Brady also made it clear that this kind of incident must not happen again.

The criticism grew after San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk claimed that Gardner-Johnson had spat on him during a game last season, when Gardner-Johnson played for the Chicago Bears. This claim has not been independently confirmed.