NFL Suspends Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase One Game for Spitting on Steelers’ Jalen Ramsey

CINCINNATI — The NFL announced Monday that Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been suspended one game without pay for spitting in the face of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 34-12 loss at Acrisure Stadium.

The incident occurred with 4:12 remaining in the contest. After a series of heated exchanges that had already drawn offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, sideline video clearly showed Chase expectorating toward Ramsey’s facemask from point-blank range. Ramsey responded with a punch that resulted in his immediate ejection.

“He spit on me straight up — right in my face,” Ramsey told reporters postgame. “I don’t care about football after that.”

Chase denied the act in the locker room, telling The Cincinnati Enquirer:

“I didn’t spit on nobody.”

NFL Vice President of Football Operations Dwayne Hatchett cited the video evidence in the league’s statement:

“Player safety and respect are foundational to our game. Spitting on an opponent is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

The suspension will sideline Chase for Cincinnati’s Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots. He will also forfeit a game check worth approximately $57,222 and incur an additional $50,000 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct and providing a false statement during the investigation.

Precedent and Proportionality

The discipline aligns with recent precedent. Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected prior to the first snap of a Week 1 game for spitting on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott; the league deemed the ejection as having “served” the suspension. Chase, however, remained in the game for 58 offensive snaps after the incident, necessitating the formal one-game ban.

Locker Room Reactions

Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt called the penalty insufficient:

“Spitting is a coward’s move. One game feels light for something that crosses the line of respect.”

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the ruling while emphasizing team focus:

“It’s a teaching moment. Ja’Marr is a competitor; we’ll move forward without him this week.”

Quarterback Joe Burrow, visibly frustrated, added:

“We need him out there. This hurts, but we have to adapt.”

Statistical Impact

Chase entered Week 11 ranked fifth in the NFL with 79 receptions for 861 yards and 5 touchdowns. His absence leaves Cincinnati (4-6) without its primary deep threat as the club fights for playoff positioning in the crowded AFC wild-card race.

Appeal Process

The NFL Players Association confirmed Monday that Chase has filed an appeal. A hearing is expected early this week, with a decision likely before Wednesday’s injury report.

Next Steps

Ramsey is also under review for the retaliatory punch; a fine is anticipated Tuesday, though no suspension is expected given the provocation.

The Bengals host the Patriots on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET. Pittsburgh (6-4) travels to Cleveland for a Thursday night divisional clash.