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Ja'Marr Chase was unable to play for Cincinnati Bengalsand he apologized Monday as his one-game suspension for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey came to an end.
Chase was suspended by the NFL after a spitting incident that ultimately led to Ramsey being ejected onto the field. Steelers-Bengals matchup at the 11th week. Ramsey hit Chase twice and was immediately sent to the locker room.
Chase denied spitting on Ramsey after the game, but video evidence proved otherwise. He appealed the suspension to the league, but it was ultimately denied.
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Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates a touchdown during a Pittsburgh Steelers NFL football game at Pacore Stadium on October 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Chase's suspension also cost him a fine of $14,491 and a game check of more than $500,000.
The superstar receiver apologized to fans, the Bengals, Steelers and the entire NFL in an Instagram post ahead of Week 12's Thanksgiving Day game against Baltimore Ravens on Thursday evening.
“Please know that I speak from the bottom of my heart when I say that I take full responsibility for my actions during last Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh.” Chase wrote a long statement. “What I did was wrong. Circumstances don't matter. My passion for the game is no excuse. There is no place for this level of disrespect in our sport – and in life.”
NFL SUSPENS BENGALS STAR JA'MARRA CHASE ONE GAME FOR Spitting Incident in Loss vs. STEELERS
“I want to personally apologize to everyone in the Pittsburgh Steelers organization.” I allowed my emotions to get the better of me in that moment. I can only hope and trust that you know that none of this reflects who I am – not as an opponent, teammate or person.”
Chase finished the game with just three catches for 30 yards, although Joe Flacco targeted him 10 times. It was a much different result for the Bengals, who defeated their AFC North rival in Flacco's first home start since being traded to Cleveland Browns. In that game, Chase had 16 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown on 23 targets.
But as Chase noted in his statement, it has been a tough season for him and the Bengals.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) looks on after the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on September 29, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
“It's been a tough season with some incredibly tough losses. We were all disappointed,” he wrote. “But instead of showing calm, class and leadership, I failed you. The fact that I had to miss yesterday's game makes my actions even more inexcusable. I won't let this happen again.”
At the end of his speech, Chase apologized to his many fans.
“I don’t take anyone who wears my jersey for granted. I don't take my position as a role model lightly. As a person who strives to lead with character and integrity, I had to immediately take responsibility for what happened.
“I strive to regain your respect – not only with my words, but with my actions, day after day, on and off the field. I promise to continue to learn from this and set higher standards for myself moving forward.”
Fox One/Fox Nation special. (Fox News)
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The Bengals are 3-8 after losing to the New England Patriots at home last Sunday. They have lost seven of their last eight games, although some key help is expected to return around Thanksgiving.
Quarterback Joe Burrow, out after foot surgery, is expected to return this week against the Ravens. He's been out since Week 2, and he and Chase have shown amazing chemistry on the field dating back to their time at LSU.
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