Ja’Marr Chase apologizes as suspension expires for spitting on Jalen Ramsey
newYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Unable to play for the Cincinnati Bengals, Ja’Marr Chase apologized Monday after his one-game suspension for spitting at Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey expired.
Chase was suspended by the NFL after the spitting incident, which ultimately led to Ramsey being ejected 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 on Ramsey after the game, but video evidence proved otherwise. He appealed his suspension to the league, but it was ultimately rejected.
Click here for more sports coverage FoxNews.com
Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL Pittsburgh Steelers football game at Paycor Stadium on October 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Chase’s suspension also cost him a fine of $14,491 and a game check of more than $500,000.
The star receiver issued an apology to fans, the Bengals, the Steelers, and the entire NFL in an Instagram post as he heads into a Week 12 – Thanksgiving game against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night.
He added: “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. Circumstances don’t matter. My passion for the game is no excuse. There is no place in our sport – or in life – for this level of disrespect.
NFL SUSPENSES BENGALS STAR JA’MARR CHASE GAME OVER spitting incident in loss vs. Steelers
“I want to personally apologize to everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. I let my emotions in this moment get the better of me. I can only hope and trust that you know that none of them represent who I am — not as a competitor, a teammate or a person.”
Chase finished the game with just three catches for 30 yards, even though Joe Flacco targeted him 10 times. It was a very different outcome for the Bengals, who defeated their AFC North rival in Flacco’s first home start following his trade from the Cleveland Browns. Chase had 16 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown on 23 targets in that game.
But as Chase noted in his statement, it’s been a tough season for him and the Bengals.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) watches the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on September 29, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imagine Images)
“This has been a tough season with some incredibly tough losses. We are all frustrated,” he wrote. “But instead of advancing with calm, class and leadership, I let you down. Having to sit out yesterday’s game makes my actions inexcusable. I will not allow that to happen again.”
At the conclusion of his statements, 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 should have taken immediate responsibility for what happened.”
“I am committed to earning your respect back – not only with my words, but also with my actions, day in and day out, on and off the field. I promise to continue to learn from this and set higher standards for myself moving forward.”
Special promo from Fox One/Fox Nation. (Fox News)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
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 was sidelined after foot surgery, is expected to return this week against the Ravens. Sidelined since Week 2, he and Chase have shown tremendous chemistry on the court dating back to their time at LSU.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on X And subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.