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The NFL suspended Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for one game for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey during their Week 11 game on Sunday afternoon.
Chase denied spitting on Ramsey, who was ejected after throwing a punch at the star receiver in the fourth quarter. However, video evidence showed otherwise, leading to discipline from the NFL.
Chase’s one-game suspension will cost him his regular weekly salary of $448,333, as well as an active bonus of $58,823 per game, according to ESPN.
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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) breaks up a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
The NFL said Chase violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to “any act that is contrary to generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”
The incident occurred when Chase and Ramsey were face to face, with their masks together, between plays in the fourth quarter. At first, no one understood why Ramsey grabbed Chase’s mask and punched him, resulting in his ejection.
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The AFC North rivals had exchanged words earlier in the game, but moments like that can happen between two of the league’s best players, especially in a divisional matchup.
After the game, Ramsey accused Chase of spitting on him during the confrontation, which led to the punches. Chase quickly denied the accusation and said he never opened his mouth toward Ramsey. Once again, video evidence proved otherwise.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) lines up for a play during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on Sept. 29, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Image Images)
Chase’s actions were criticized by many in the sports world, including some outside of football. Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson ridiculed Chase for his actions in X.
“How do we come to spit on a person?” Jackson wrote. “Ja Marr (sic) is an act that never goes away. It marks you, you wear it forever. Where did you learn that? Surely not your parents. Do that to him in a private place so he can spank (sic) your butt to remember it. You are (sic) a great player, be a great leader.”
Chase will exercise its right to appeal the suspension, according to multiple reports.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) watches after the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on Sept. 29, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Image Images)
The Bengals, now 3-7 after losing three straight games, will head into Week 12 against a red-hot New England Patriots team without the league leader in receptions. Chase has 79 receptions on 117 targets for 861 yards in 10 games, ranking second in the NFL behind Seattle Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba (1,146 yards). He also has five receiving touchdowns this season.
