Ja’Marr Chase apologizes as suspension for spitting at Jalen Ramsey ends
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Ja’Marr Chase was unable to play for the Cincinnati Bengals and apologized Monday at the end of his one-game suspension for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Chase was suspended by the NFL following the spitting incident, which led to Ramsey being ejected from the game against the Steelers-Bengals 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 was ultimately denied.
CLICK TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS FOXNEWS.COM
Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after scoring 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 $14,491 in fines and more than $500,000 in gaming vouchers.
The superstar wide receiver apologized to fans, the Bengals, the Steelers and the entire NFL in an Instagram post heading into Week 12, Thursday night’s Thanksgiving game against the Baltimore Ravens.
“Please know that I speak from my heart when I say I take full responsibility for my actions during last Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh.” Chase wrote a long statement. “What I did was wrong. The circumstances don’t matter. My passion for the game is no excuse. There is no place for this level of disrespect in our sport or in life.
NFL SPITS BENGALS STAR JA’MARR CHASE ONE DUE TO SPITTING INCIDENT IN LOSS AGAINST STEELERS
“I want to personally apologize to everyone in the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. I allowed the emotions of the moment to get the best of me. I hope and trust that you know that none of these represent who I am; not as a competitor, as a teammate, or as a person.”
Despite Joe Flacco targeting him 10 times, Chase finished the game with just three catches for 30 yards. It was a completely different result for the Bengals, who beat their AFC North rival in their first home game after Flacco was traded from the Cleveland Browns. Chase had 16 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown on 23 targets in this game.
But as Chase noted in his statement, it has 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 September 29, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
“This has been a difficult season of incredibly heavy losses. We are all frustrated,” he wrote. “But instead of coming forward with composure, class and leadership, I let you down. The fact that I had to sit out yesterday’s game makes my actions even more inexcusable. I won’t let that happen again.”
To finish off his remarks, Chase apologized to his huge fan base.
“I do not take anyone who wears my jersey for granted. I do not take my position as a role model lightly. As someone who strives to lead with character and authenticity, I had to immediately take responsibility for what happened.
“I am determined to earn your respect back; not just with words, but with my actions on and off the field every day. I promise to continue to learn from this and set a higher standard for myself moving forward.”
Fox One/Fox Nation special promotion. (Fox News)
CLICK TO REACH THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
The Bengals are 3-8 after losing to the New England Patriots at home last Sunday. They have lost seven of their last eight games, but some key help is expected to return on Thanksgiving.
Quarterback Joe Burrow, who is out following foot surgery, is expected to return this week against the Ravens. He has been sidelined since Week 2, and he and Chase have shown tremendous chemistry on the field since their time at LSU.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on X and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
