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Ja’Marr Chase was unable to play for the Cincinnati Bengals and 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 the spitting incident, which ultimately led to Ramsey’s ejection in the Steelers-Bengals matchup in Week 11. Ramsey punched 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 his suspension to the league, but it was ultimately denied.
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Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after a touchdown during a Pittsburgh Steelers NFL football game at Paycor Stadium on October 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Chase’s suspension also cost him a fine of $14,491 and his gambling check of more than $500,000.
The superstar receiver apologized to fans, the Bengals, the Steelers and the entire NFL in an Instagram post as he heads into Week 12, a Thanksgiving matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night.
“Please know that I speak from the heart when I say that I take full responsibility for my actions during last Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh,” Chase wrote in a lengthy statement. “What I did was wrong. The circumstances don’t matter. My passion for the game is no excuse. There is no place in our sport, or in life, for that level of disrespect.
NFL SUSPENDS BENGALS STAR JA’MARR CHASE’S PLAY ONE GAME DUE TO SPITTING INCIDENT IN LOSS VS STEELERS
“I want to personally apologize to everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. I let my emotions in the moment get the better of me. I can only hope and trust that they know that none of that represents who I am, whether as a competitor, teammate or person.”
Chase finished the game with just three receptions for 30 yards, although Joe Flacco targeted him 10 times. It was a completely different result for the Bengals, who defeated their AFC North rival in Flacco’s first home start following his trade from the Cleveland Browns. Chase had 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown on 23 targets in that game.
But as Chase noted in his statement, it’s been a difficult season for him and the Bengals.
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)
“This has been a tough season with some incredibly tough losses. We’ve all been frustrated,” he wrote. “But instead of stepping forward with calm, class and leadership, I let them down. Having to sit out yesterday’s game makes my actions even more unforgivable. I won’t let it happen again.”
Closing his comments, Chase apologized to his massive fan base.
“I don’t take anyone who wears my jersey for granted. I don’t take my position as a role model lightly. “As someone who strives to lead with character and authenticity, I should have taken immediate responsibility for what happened.
“I am committed to earning back your respect, not just with words, but with my actions, day in and day out, on and off the field. I promise to continue learning from this and set a higher standard for myself in the future.”
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The Bengals are 3-8 after their home loss to the New England Patriots last Sunday. They have lost seven of their last eight games, although some key help is expected to return by Thanksgiving.
Quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been out following foot surgery, is expected to return this week against the Ravens. He’s been sidelined since Week 2, and he and Chase have shown tremendous on-field chemistry dating back to their time at LSU.
