Cam Heyward can’t control what the officials do or don’t call. But Heyward can control his response. And he understands why Pittsburgh Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey got so heated to punch Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase that got him kicked out of Sunday’s game.
“Two competitors, but one guy took it too far,” Heyward told reporters via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,” referring to Ramsey and Chase. “Our guy got penalized, but if you wanna spit on a guy, you don’t belong in the game.”
Ramsey and Chase sparred all day and went at it on the play before the spit/punch incident, leading both to receive offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Cincinnati took a timeout on 4th and 1 on the following play and Ramsey and Chase stood next to each other. Chase spit on Ramsey, who then threw a punch at Chase. Ramsey was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, not only giving the Bengals a first down but ejecting Ramsey from the rest of the game.
In the locker room, Chase denied spitting on Ramsey. High-definition video shows that was a lie and Chase clearly spit on Ramsey’s jersey, prompting the punch.
Ramsey throwing hands in a situation that guaranteed him an ejection still wasn’t a smart decision. But Heyward understands Ramsey’s pride.
“Hopefully the NFL handles it,” Heyward said. “We all try to calm Jalen down, but if a man spits on you, that’s a different reaction than you should ever have to deal with.”
Former Steeler safety Ryan Clark echoed those thoughts.
I’m a boot boy and I love Ja’Marr but spitting on someone is the most disrespectful thing you can do!! That’s complete Bull shii and he should be punished as harshly as the league can!! Unacceptable!! Extremely disappointing.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) November 16, 2025
Chase and Ramsey could be subject to discipline. Chase is unlikely to be suspended but is poised to receive a hefty fine. Ramsey could be suspended for one game, though the realization that Chase’s spit started it could reduce those odds, should the NFL view it as a mitigated factor.
That decision is likely to come over the next 24 hours, giving the Steelers clarity over Ramsey’s status for Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. Washington Commanders DL Daron Payne was suspended on Monday morning after punching a Detroit Lions player last week.
It’s a story that isn’t going to quickly go away, and it’s heartening to see Ramsey having the support of teammates. Though with or without Ramsey, Heyward and the rest of the locker room will soon turn the page to stack wins with a road victory next Sunday.
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