Ja’Marr Chase is owning up to his mistake.
The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver issued a public apology following the heated Week 11 confrontation with Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The incident, which saw Chase spit on Ramsey during the game, led to a one-game suspension and a half-million-dollar penalty, ESPN reports.
In a lengthy Instagram statement posted Monday, Chase admitted he let his emotions take over in the moment.
“I want to personally apologize to everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. I let my emotions in the moment get the better of me,” he wrote. “I can only hope and trust you know none of it represents who I am — not as a competitor, teammate, or person.”
This marks the first time Chase has publicly addressed the incident since the footage went viral.
He also apologized to the Bengals’ leadership, players, and fans, saying he failed to lead by example.
“As someone who strives to lead with character and authenticity, I should have taken immediate accountability,” Chase said, adding that he plans to use the moment as a learning experience.
The altercation began after Ramsey hit Chase’s helmet, sparking chaos. Ramsey was ejected for a second personal foul, and Chase was later suspended. Ramsey was fined over $14,000.
Chase’s suspension sidelined him for the Bengals’ Week 12 loss to the Patriots. Despite the controversy, Chase remains one of the league’s top receivers this season with 861 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games.
The Bengals and Steelers won’t face off again until 2026.
