Ja’Marr Chase Suspended for Spitting: Bengals Lose Star

Ja’Marr Chase Suspended for Spitting at Jalen Ramsey

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been suspended for one game without pay for spitting at Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey, the league announced on Monday. Chase will appeal the suspension, according to a source. The appeal will be heard and decided by Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, the hearing officers jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association. If the suspension stands, Chase would miss his team’s next game against the New England Patriots in Week 12. The incident occurred in the Bengals’ 34-12 loss to the Steelers on Sunday.

Video of the incident

The video clearly shows Chase spitting in Ramsey’s direction, which caused Ramsey to throw a punch at Chase. The suspension would cost Chase his weekly salary of $448,333, plus a per-game bonus of $58,823 that he would lose. When announcing the suspension, the league cited the section of the regulations that applies to “any act that is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship”. This is the second time this season that a player has been suspended for spitting on an opponent. In Week 1, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter spat on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott before the first play from the line of scrimmage, which resulted in Carter’s ejection. The NFL considered that a one-game suspension. However, Chase finished the game against the Steelers. At that moment, the officials did not detect Chase’s actions before ejecting Ramsey for the punch.

We didn’t see anything that reached that level at all.

Bill Vinovich

Chase also denied spitting on Ramsey. The two had previously been involved in a fight in the contest, which resulted in unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for both players.

I’ve never opened my mouth to that guy.

Ja’Marr Chase

But the league sided with Ramsey. Bengals coach Zac Taylor admonished Chase’s actions on Monday.

Obviously, what happened is crossing the line, and we can’t have that. I know he will take responsibility for that.

Zac Taylor

When asked, Chase refused to speak to reporters. Ramsey had to be restrained several times. He was still heading towards Chase after his expulsion was announced and it took several minutes for him to leave the field.

I don’t give a damn about football after that, with respect.

Jalen Ramsey

Ramsey said that spitting could not be tolerated.

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

Jalen Ramsey

The veteran defensive back also said that Chase removed his mouthguard before, which led to the first fight. A similar incident occurred in 2022, when Chase removed the mouthguard of Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Chase was later fined for unsportsmanlike conduct. This season, Chase was voted team captain and had been praised by his teammates and coaches for showing maturity and restraint during a difficult season. This is the first time Chase has been suspended in his career. The Bengals have lost seven of their last eight games. The Patriots (9-2) have won eight in a row and have the best record in the AFC. Taylor defended Chase’s overall record on Monday and his status as one of the team leaders 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.

Zac Taylor

We are not all perfect. We are going to make a mistake here and there, but I support Ja’Marr. I know it’s an emotional situation. I know there are many things happening there that lead to things like that. We will just move on.

Zac Taylor