Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase Suspended by NFL for Spitting on Steelers’ Ramsey.
The NFL has taken disciplinary action against Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. He has been suspended for one game due to an incident involving spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jalen Ramsey during a recent match.
Incident Overview
The altercation occurred in the fourth quarter of a game on November 12, 2025, where the Bengals lost to the Steelers with a score of 34-12 at Acrisure Stadium. Chase and Ramsey were involved in a series of heated plays, culminating in the spitting incident, which was captured on video.
Details of the Suspension
Chase has denied the allegation, stating, “I didn’t spit on nobody.” However, the evidence shows otherwise. Following the incident, he plans to appeal the suspension. If unsuccessful, he will miss the upcoming game against the New England Patriots, who currently hold an 8-2 record.
Financial Implications
The suspension carries significant financial repercussions for Chase. He will forfeit approximately $448,333, which represents an 1/18th of his $8,070,000 salary for the season. Additionally, he will lose a game roster bonus of around $58,823.
History of Fines
- Chase has been fined a total of $91,080 previously for four infractions, including:
- Week 5, 2024: $19,697 for an obscene gesture against the Ravens
- Week 2, 2023: $31,599 for verbally abusing an official during the Chiefs game
- Week 17, 2021: $15,914 for taunting in another match against the Chiefs
- Week 1, 2022: $23,870 for multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties against the Steelers
League Response and Historical Context
This incident marks the second spitting suspension in the NFL this season. Earlier, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter faced a similar disciplinary action but had his suspension rescinded due to the timing of the incident during a game’s kickoff.
Historically, spitting incidents in the NFL are rare, with the last notable suspension dating back nearly 20 years. The last major case involved Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens, who faced a fine but avoided suspension due to lack of evidence from officials.
Previous Suspensions for Bengals Players
Chase becomes the first Bengals player suspended for an on-field incident since linebacker Vontaze Burfict received a three-game suspension in 2017 for repeated player-safety violations. Other notable suspensions in Bengals history include linebacker DeQuin Evans and wide receiver Chris Henry, both of whom faced penalties for violating league policies.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of this suspension for Ja’Marr Chase and its impact on the Bengals’ season will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
