The NFL has officially sidelined Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for one game and issued roughly $500,000 in financial penalties following his on-field confrontation with Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey in Week 11.
According to the local NBC affiliate, WLWT, the decision comes after league officials reviewed broadcast angles that appeared to show Chase spitting toward Ramsey during the fourth quarter.
The two players had been matched up throughout the game on Sunday, November 16, and tensions escalated after an earlier exchange resulted in offsetting personal fouls. When the teams lined up again minutes later, another confrontation followed.
Ramsey swung at Chase’s helmet, and multiple players stepped in before the situation spread across the field. Officials assessed penalties to both sides, and Ramsey was ejected due to it being his second personal foul of the game.
After the game, Ramsey told reporters the punch stemmed from being spat on during the play. Chase rejected that claim, saying he didn’t spit at anyone. The league reviewed the footage the following morning and issued its ruling, determining that Chase’s actions met the threshold for discipline.
If the suspension holds, Chase will forfeit his Week 12 salary of approximately $448,333 along with an additional $58,000 active-status bonus, totaling close to half a million dollars. Chase has already notified the team that he intends to appeal. A final decision is expected before the Bengals face the New England Patriots this weekend.
Chase did not speak with the media about the incident, but head coach Zac Taylor addressed the situation. Taylor said Chase has consistently handled himself well under pressure but acknowledged that the incident crossed a point the team can’t overlook. He added that Chase understands the seriousness of the moment and expects him to take accountability.
The suspension arrives at a critical time for the Cincinnati team. Through ten games, Chase leads the Bengals in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, logging 79 catches for 861 yards and five scores. His absence removes the team’s most dynamic offensive threat as they prepare for a matchup against a Patriots squad currently sitting at 9–2.
This is the second time this season the NFL has issued a suspension related to spitting. The league previously disciplined Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter for a similar incident in the season opener.