New Orleans Saints CB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
C.J. Gardner-Johnson was punched by Javon Wims, and fined to boot
Wims was suspended for two games, as he initiated the conflict and threw punches. The officials rightfully ejected Wims from the game, regardless of what he claims Gardner-Johnson did to deserve such treatment.
Gardner-Johnson has a history of on-field issues like these. Earlier this season, Gardner-Johnson got into a spat with Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas, of which the Pro Bowl wide receiver was dissuaded from playing as a result of.
While the video doesn’t suggest Gardner-Johnson was at fault for the confrontation, he’s not exactly innocent, either. The CB taunted Wims and pulled out his mouthguard just a few plays prior. Unbeknownst to him, Wims would react like a madman and try to start a brawl during a football game.
Gardner-Johnson got a slap on the wrist in comparison
His fine is unlikely to break the bank, at least in professional football player terms.
The Saints picked up a critical win after the Wims vs Gardner-Johnson stand-off, advancing to 5-2 on the season in the process. New Orleans hasn’t looked pretty offensively, as Drew Brees is working without his top target Thomas, and isn’t the same quarterback he once was.
New Orleans heads to Tampa Bay this Sunday night. The Saints were able to defeat the Bucs in Week 1, making Tom Brady look bad in the process. However, Tampa Bay has clicked on all cylinders since then. Gardner-Johnson and the Saints secondary will play a major role tomorrow night as New Orleans hopes to stop Brady and the high-powered Bucs offense.