The Cincinnati receiver will miss the matchup against the New England Patriots this week
Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been given a one-game suspension without pay for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey.
Reports claim Chase will review the decision, with the case set to be reviewed by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson, the jointly appointed hearing officers for the NFL and NFLPA.
If his suspension is upheld, Chase would miss Cincinnati’s Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots.
The incident happened during the Bengals’ 34-12 loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday, with video from WXIX-TV capturing Chase spitting in Ramsey’s direction, which led to Ramsey throwing a punch.
The suspension would dock Chase his weekly salary of $448,333 as well as a $58,823 active-game bonus.
In their announcement, the league referenced the rule applying to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”
This is the second time this season a player has been disciplined for spitting. Back in Week 1, Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter spat on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott before the first snap and was immediately ejected.
Chase was not removed from Sunday’s game, as officials did not witness his actions before ejecting Ramsey for the retaliatory punch.
Chase rejected the claim that he spat on Ramsey. The pair had exchanged words earlier, resulting in offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
“I ain’t ever opened my mouth to that guy,” Chase said, adding that verbal back-and-forth is what sparked Ramsey’s reaction.
Ramsey needed to be held back several times after being thrown out. He continued shouting in Chase’s direction and delayed leaving the field.
“I don’t give a f— about football after that, respectfully,” Ramsey told reporters. “I’m always going to be all for trash talking, s— talking, stuff like that. I actually enjoy that part of the game. I think people know that.”
Ramsey said the act itself sparked the escalation.
“As soon as he spit, it was like ‘f— that.’”
