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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 at Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey ended.
Chase was suspended by the NFL after the spitting incident, which ultimately led to Ramsey’s ejection during the Steelers-Bengals game in Week 11. Ramsey punched Chase twice and was immediately sent to the locker room.
Chase denied spitting on Ramsey after the match, but video evidence proved otherwise. He appealed his suspension to the league, but its decision 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 $14,491 fine and a gambling check for more than $500,000.
The superstar wide receiver apologized to fans, the Bengals, the Steelers and the entire NFL in an Instagram post as he heads into Week 12 – a Thanksgiving game 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 this level of disrespect.
NFL SUSPENDS BENGAL STAR JA’MARR CHASE ONE GAME FOR SPITTING INCIDENT IN LOSS TO 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 you know that none of this represents who I am – not as a competitor, teammate or person.”
Chase finished the game with just three catches for 30 yards, although Joe Flacco targeted him 10 times. It was a completely different outcome for the Bengals, who beat their AFC North rival in Flacco’s first home start following his trade to the Cleveland Browns. Chase had 16 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown on 23 targets in this game.
But as Chase pointed out in his statement, it’s been a tough season for him and the Bengals.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) reacts during 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’ve all been frustrated,” he wrote. “But instead of acting with calm, class and leadership, I let you down. Having to sit out yesterday’s game makes my actions even more inexcusable. I will not let this happen again.”
To conclude his remarks, Chase apologized to his huge fan base.
“I do not take for granted anyone who wears my jersey. I do not take my position as a role model lightly. As someone who strives to lead with character and authenticity, I should have immediately taken responsibility for what happened.
“I am committed to earning your respect back, not just with words, but also with my actions, day in and day out, on and off the field. I promise to continue to learn from this and set higher standards for myself moving forward.”
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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 a key helper is expected to return on Thanksgiving.
Quarterback Joe Burrow, out after 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 chemistry on the court since their time at LSU.
