Ja’Marr Chase, Suspended for Spitting at Jalen Ramsey: NFL Applies Punishment

Ja’Marr Chase Suspended for Spitting at Jalen Ramsey

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been suspended for one game without pay after spitting at Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey. The NFL announced the sanction on Monday, marking an incident that has generated controversy in the world of American football. Chase will appeal the suspension, according to sources. The appeal will be reviewed by Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, officials designated by the NFL and the NFL Players Association. If the suspension is upheld, Chase will miss the next game against the New England Patriots in Week 12. The incident occurred during the Bengals’ loss to the Steelers on Sunday, with a score of 34-12. A video of the incident clearly showed Chase spitting in Ramsey’s direction, which caused the latter to react with a punch towards Chase. The suspension will cost Chase his weekly salary of $448,333, plus an active bonus of $58,823 per game. The league justified the sanction based on unsportsmanlike conduct rules. This is the second time this season that a player has been suspended for spitting on an opponent. However, Chase finished the game against the Steelers. At that moment, the officials did not detect Chase’s action before ejecting Ramsey for the hit.

“We didn’t see anything that reached that level at all,” referee Bill Vinovich stated.

Bill Vinovich

Chase denied spitting on Ramsey. Both players had had a previous altercation, which resulted in unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for both.

“I’ve never opened my mouth to that guy,” Chase said.

Ja’Marr Chase

But the league sided with Ramsey. Bengals coach Zac Taylor disapproved of Chase’s actions.

“Obviously, what happened crosses the line, and we can’t have that,” Taylor said. “I know he will take responsibility.”

Zac Taylor

Ramsey had to be restrained several times. After being sent off, he continued towards Chase and took several minutes to leave the field.

“Respectfully, I don’t give a damn about football after that,” Ramsey said.

Jalen Ramsey

Ramsey added that the spitting was not tolerable.

“As soon as he spit, it was like ‘fuck that'”.

Jalen Ramsey

The veteran defensive player also mentioned that Chase removed his mouthpiece, which led to the first altercation. A similar incident occurred in 2022, when Chase removed the mouthpiece of Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Chase was subsequently fined for unsportsmanlike conduct. This season, Chase was chosen as team captain and has been praised by teammates and coaches for showing maturity and control in a difficult season. This is the first time Chase has been suspended in his career. Taylor defended Chase’s overall track record and his status as team leader despite the recent incident.

“I can’t say enough positive things about Ja’Marr and think about the amount of situations people have tried to put him in and the way he’s always responded,” Taylor said.

Zac Taylor

“We’re not all perfect. We’re going to make a mistake here and there, but I support Ja’Marr. I know it’s an emotional situation. I know there’s a lot going on that leads to things like that. We’ll just keep moving forward.”