Ja’Marr Chase Apologizes for Spitting at Jalen Ramsey
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase issued a public apology on Monday for spitting at Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey during the team’s game on November 16. In a statement posted on Instagram, Chase took “full responsibility” for his actions. The NFL determined that Chase spat at Ramsey during a heated exchange in the Week 12 loss to the Steelers, resulting in a one-game suspension without pay.Chase didn’t mention Ramsey by name, but he did refer to the Steelers as a franchise. He also apologized to the Steelers organization and admitted that he let his emotions get the better of him. The league upheld Chase’s suspension after hearing an appeal filed last week. Both Chase and Ramsey were penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct in the game. Ramsey was fined $14,191 for his involvement in the incident and was ejected after throwing a retaliatory punch. Chase, for his part, lost more than $500,000 in salary by not playing in the team’s defeat against the New England Patriots. Chase, who has been selected for the Pro Bowl four times, had not spoken to the media since a video captured by WXIX-TV of Cincinnati showed him spitting at Ramsey. After the game, Chase denied the action and refused to speak to reporters. In his statement, Chase seemed to address those comments, stating that he does not take his position as a role model lightly and that he should have taken immediate responsibility for what happened. According to league data, since 2021, Chase has received four unsportsmanlike conduct or taunting penalties, placing him third in the league during that period. Chase returned to the Bengals’ facilities on Monday after serving his suspension and is scheduled to speak with reporters on Tuesday, which will mark the first time he will be questioned about the incident. Bengals coach Zac Taylor said he briefly saw Chase on Monday as the team prepares for Thursday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. “We are moving at full speed,” Taylor said.What I did was wrong. The circumstances don’t matter. My passion for the game is no excuse. There is no place in our sport, or in life, for that level of disrespect.
Ja’Marr Chase
