The NFL has suspended Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase for one game due to unsportsmanlike conduct after he spit on Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey during their Week 11 matchup. Chase, who is appealing the decision, will miss the Bengals' next game against the New England Patriots if upheld. Ramsey was ejected from the Steelers' 34-12 victory after punching Chase in retaliation.
In the fourth quarter of Sunday's game with 13:28 remaining, tensions escalated between Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase and Steelers DB Jalen Ramsey. Video footage showed Chase snatching Ramsey's mouthpiece on the prior play, followed by spitting on Ramsey's jersey after a Bengals timeout. Ramsey responded by punching Chase, earning his second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and an automatic ejection under NFL rules.
Referee Bill Vinovich's crew missed the spit during the game, but post-game video evidence confirmed the incident. Chase initially denied spitting, telling reporters, "I didn't spit on nobody." Ramsey, however, stated, "We was talking for real, which I’m cool with. And then, yeah, as soon as he spit, yeah, it was like it was what it was. I ain’t gonna tolerate that part of it."
The NFL announced Chase's one-game suspension on Monday, citing unsportsmanlike conduct. He will forfeit approximately $500,000, including his game check and bonuses, and is appealing the ruling, which could be heard by a neutral officer like former Steelers OL Ramon Foster. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the mistake, saying, "Obviously what happened is crossing the line. We can’t have that, and I know he’ll own up to that," while adding, "I stand by Ja'Marr."
Ramsey avoided suspension, though a fine is expected—potentially $20,288 for the second unsportsmanlike offense. He recorded four tackles before ejection in his third start at free safety. Steelers captain Cam Heyward criticized the spit, stating players who do so "should not be allowed in the game."
Chase, a four-time Pro Bowler leading the NFL with 76 receptions through 11 weeks, had a quiet game with three catches on 10 targets for 30 yards. The 3-7 Bengals, struggling without QB Joe Burrow since Week 2, face further challenges without Chase. The incident draws comparisons to Eagles DT Jalen Carter's ejection and fine for a similar act in Week 1.