The NFL has suspended Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for one game without pay after he was seen spitting at Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey during Sunday’s 34–12 loss. The league announced the decision on Monday.
Chase has filed an appeal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The case will be reviewed by one of the jointly appointed hearing officers — Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson. If the suspension is upheld, Chase will miss Cincinnati’s Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots.
Details of the Incident
Footage from Cincinnati’s WXIX-TV captured Chase clearly spitting in Ramsey’s direction, triggering a punch from Ramsey.
The suspension would cost Chase $448,333 in weekly salary Plus an additional $58,823 active-game bonus
The league cited rules prohibiting actions that violate the “generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”
This is the second spitting-related suspension issued this season. In Week 1, Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was penalized for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Game Officials and Player Reactions
Chase was not ejected for the incident because officials did not see the act on the field. Ramsey, however, was ejected for throwing the punch.
Referee Bill Vinovich stated afterward, “We did not see anything that rose to that level at all.”
Chase denied spitting on Ramsey, saying the earlier confrontation between the two involved only verbal trash talk. Both players had already received offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties during the game.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor criticized the behavior:
“What happened crosses the line, and we can’t have that. I know he’ll own up to it.”
Chase declined to speak with reporters on Monday.
Ramsey’s Response
Ramsey had to be restrained several times after his ejection and made his feelings clear postgame:
“I don’t give a f— about football after that… I enjoy trash talk, but spitting? As soon as he spit, it was like ‘f— that.’”
Ramsey also claimed Chase pulled out his mouthpiece earlier — an issue similar to a 2022 incident involving Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, which resulted in a fine for Chase.
Context and Team Impact
This is the first suspension of Chase’s career. Despite being voted a team captain and praised for leadership this season, the Bengals have struggled, losing seven of their last eight games. Meanwhile, the Patriots enter Week 12 at 9–2, riding an eight-game winning streak and leading the AFC.
Coach Zac Taylor defended Chase’s character despite the controversy:
“We’re not all perfect… I stand by Ja’Marr. It was an emotional moment, and we’ll move forward
