Ja’Marr Chase will miss one game and lose close to half a million dollars after the NFL ruled he spat at Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey during a Week 11 clash.
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League officials confirmed that Chase has been suspended and fined following a sideline scuffle that escalated late in the fourth quarter. The incident, captured on multiple camera angles, appeared to show Chase directing spit toward Ramsey. That was enough for the league to hand down punishment.
Chase and Ramsey had already clashed earlier in the game, resulting in offsetting personal fouls. But things turned even more heated when the two lined up again and exchanged more than just words. Ramsey swung at Chase’s helmet, leading to a wider on-field confrontation. He was thrown out of the game for receiving a second personal foul.
After the game, Ramsey told reporters he reacted after being spat on. Chase denied doing so, saying, “I didn’t spit at anybody.” The NFL’s review disagreed with Chase’s account and determined the conduct warranted discipline.
If the suspension stands, Chase will forfeit his Week 12 game check, worth about $448,000, and a $58,000 active roster bonus. He plans to appeal, with a decision expected before the Bengals face the Patriots.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor didn’t defend the action but stood by his player’s usual character. “Ja’Marr has handled himself well most of the time,” Taylor said. “But he knows this moment was serious and he’s taking responsibility.”
Chase leads the team in receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns, and his absence comes at a critical point in Cincinnati’s playoff push.
This marks the second spitting-related suspension this season. Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter faced discipline for a similar act earlier this year.
