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The NFL has 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 usual 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 contrary to the generally recognized principles of sportsmanship.”
The incident occurred while Chase and Ramsey were face to face, their masks pressed together, between plays in the fourth quarter. At first, no one understood why Ramsey grabbed Chase’s mask and punched him, leading to his eviction.
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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 game.
After the match, Ramsey accused Chase of spitting on him during their confrontation, which led to the punches being thrown. Chase quickly denied the accusation, saying he never opened his mouth towards Ramsey. Again, the video evidence showed 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 September 29, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
Chase’s actions were criticized by many people in the sports world, including outside of football. Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson ridiculed Chase for his actions on X.
“How did we end up spitting on someone?” Jackson wrote. “Ja Marr (sic), it’s an act that never goes away. It marks you, you carry it forever. Where did you learn that? Of course not your parents. Do that to him in a private place so he can whip your (sic) butt for the record. Your (sic) a great player is a great leader.”
Chase will exercise its right to appeal the suspension, according to multiple reports.
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)
The Bengals, now 3-7 after losing three straight games, will begin Week 12 against a red-hot New England Patriots team without the league’s leader in receptions. Chase had 79 catches 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.
