Jalen Ramsey was the player ejected following an altercation Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, but it was Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase who received stiff punishment from the NFL.
The league ruled Monday that Chase will be suspended for one game without pay for spitting at Ramsey in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 34-12 victory.
Ramsey was ejected for throwing a punch at Chase in the aftermath of the spitting incident. Officials did not catch Chase spitting on Ramsey, but the NFL reviewed footage of the altercation before reaching its conclusion. Chase was not penalized on the play.
“I’m sure the NFL, they’ll do what they do,” Ramsey said after the game. “They’ve got 100 cameras out there. They can see everything. What I (have said) are facts.”
The NFL determined Chase violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1 which applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”
Chase must miss the Bengals’ game this Sunday against the New England Patriots at Paycor Stadium. He is eligible to return to the active roster the following day.
ESPN reported that Chase will appeal his suspension. It would be heard by one of three appeals officers: Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson. Foster is a former Steelers offensive lineman. The hearing officers were jointly appointed by the NFL and the players’ association to decide appeals of on-field player discipline.
Chase declined to speak with reporters in Cincinnati on Monday. Coach Zac Taylor said he did not condone Chase’s actions.
“Obviously, what happened is crossing the line, and we can’t have that,” Taylor said Monday. “I know he’ll own up to that.”
The Steelers did not have media availability Monday.
