It was a spat—or spit—between two professional NFL players: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers Jalen Ramsey.
And it will cost Chase half a million dollars if his appeal is unsuccessful.
Chase was caught on video spat in Ramsey's direction during Cincinnati's lopsided loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday. Ramsey retaliated by stabbing Chase and was ejected.
NFL Chase suspended for one gamewhich would cost him a week's salary plus an active roster bonus totaling $507,156.
After the game, Chase denied spitting, and referee Bill Winovich told reporters, “We didn't see anything that rose to that level at all.” However, the video shows saliva in the air.
Ramsey, a 10-year veteran who helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI, reacted violently and had to be restrained.
“I'm always going to be all for bullshit… and stuff like that,” Ramsey told reporters after the game. “I really like that part of the game. I think people know that. But as soon as he spat, it was like 'fuck this.'
Ramsey, 31, said Chase snatched his mouthpiece early in the game, sparking a fight that resulted in unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Chase was guilty of such behavior before a game against the division rival Steelers, grabbing the bullhorn of cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon and throwing off safety Minkah Fitzpatrick during a 2022 game. Chase was fined for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Ramsey, who played for the Rams from 2019-22, is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time Hall of Fame All-Pro defensive back.
Chase, 25, has been an elite receiver since being drafted out of LSU in 2021. He was the Rookie of the Year and All-Pro in 2021 and was selected as an All-Pro again last season after leading the NFL with 127 catches, 1,708 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.
He has 79 receptions so far this season, including 16 for 161 yards in the Bengals' 33-30 win over the Steelers on Oct. 16. However, he only made three receptions for 30 yards in a 34-12 loss last Sunday.
Despite the appeal, Bengals coach Zac Taylor found no excuse for Chase's actions on Monday.
“Obviously, what happened is beyond all limits, and we cannot allow it,” Taylor said. “I know he admits it.”
