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Unable to play for the Cincinnati Bengals, Ja’Marr Chase apologized Monday as his one-game suspension for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey ended.
Chase was suspended by the NFL after the spitting incident, which ultimately led to Ramsey’s ejection in the Steelers-Bengals game in Week 11. Ramsey punched Chase twice and was immediately sent to the locker room.
Chase denied that he spat at Ramsey after the game, but video evidence proved otherwise. He appealed his suspension to the league, but it was ultimately denied.
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Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers 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 his game check of more than $500,000.
The superstar receiver issued an apology to fans, the Bengals, 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 my 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 that level of disrespect.
NFL SUSPENDS BENGALS STAR JA’MARR JAG ONE GAME FOR SPITTING INCIDENT IN TABS VS STEELERS
“I want to personally apologize to everyone in the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. I’m letting my emotions get the best of me at the moment. 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, even though Joe Flacco targeted him 10 times. It was a different result for the Bengals, who defeated their AFC North rival in Flacco’s first start at home since his trade from the Cleveland Browns. Chase had 16 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries in that 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) looks on 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 tough season with some incredibly tough losses. We have all been frustrated,” he wrote. “But instead of stepping up with composure, class and leadership, I’m letting you down. Having to sit out last night’s game makes my actions even more unforgivable. I won’t let it happen again.”
To cap off his remarks, Chase apologized to his massive fan base.
“I don’t take anyone who wears my jersey for granted. I don’t take my position as a role model lightly. As someone who strives to lead with character and authenticity, I should have taken immediate responsibility for what happened.
“I am committed to earning your respect back – not just with words, but with my actions, day after day, on and off the court. I promise to keep learning from this and to set a higher standard for myself going forward.”
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The Bengals are 3-8 after their loss to the New England Patriots at home last Sunday. They have lost seven of their last eight games, although some key help is expected to return on Thanksgiving.
Quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been out after foot surgery, is expected to return this week against the Ravens. He’s been on the sidelines since Week 2, and he and Chase have shown tremendous chemistry on the field dating back to their time at LSU.
