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Stevie Johnson Unwilling to Call Brandon Spikes a ‘Punk,’ Says Linebacker’s Play Is Part of Football

Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was none too pleased with what Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes did Sunday during New England’s 37-31 win over Buffalo at Gillette Stadium.

Fitzpatrick, who was visibly upset with Spikes following a questionable hit during the game, carried that frustration with him to the postgame news conference, where he called Spikes a “punk.”

Running back Tashard Choice followed that up Monday by saying that Spikes will “get his” at some point, after the linebacker celebrated after knocking Bills running back Fred Jackson out of the game.

Bills receiver Stevie Johnson is taking a different approach, though. Instead of calling out the Florida alum, Johnson is taking the more diplomatic approach to things.

“It is what it is. It’s a physical game,” Johnson said on the NFL Network’s NFL AM on Tuesday. “Players like that — you know what I’m saying — you talking after somebody gets hurt or whatever, it’s unnecessary, but this is football, so I don’t have any bad words for the dude.

“We in different jerseys, so that’s not my friend.”

Diplomacy aside, it’s probably safe to assume that Spikes still won’t be taking it easy the next time he sees Johnson coming across the middle of the field.