Yesterday, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor praised WR Ja’Marr Chase for keeping a level head during Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Today, Taylor is admitting what can no longer be denied. Chase made a major mistake. Still, Taylor attempted to put the moment in perspective and backed his star receiver.
“I’ve always been impressed with how Ja’Marr handled himself because he is in a lot of these situations where he’s got a target as top player,” Taylor told reporters during a Monday press conference. “He gets a lot of respect that way. And so guys try to do a lot of things to get his attention and get him off his game. And I’ve always thought it was unbelievable how he has handled himself in some really high-pressure, emotional decisions.
“Obviously what happened is crossing the line. We can’t have that, and I know he’ll own up to that. But beyond that, I’ve always sat up here and praised Ja’Marr because he’s one of the best leaders we’ve got.”
Speaking immediately after the game, Taylor lauded Chase for not retaliating at Ramsey. But video showed Chase instigated the scrum that got Ramsey ejected, spitting on Ramsey’s jersey, which led to Ramsey throwing a punch.
While Taylor said Chase will “own up” to his mistake, he’s ducked it so far. Sunday, he lied and denied spitting on Ramsey. Monday, Chase refused to speak with local media.
Ja’Marr Chase declined to speak to reporters today.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) November 17, 2025
Throughout the press conference, Taylor referred to Chase’s incident as a one-off and not a pattern.
“People are allowed to make a mistake,” he said.
But as Bengals beat writer Jay Morrison pointed out, Chase has been flagged and fined repeatedly for on-field actions.
It's worth noting that the decision by the NFL on Ja'Marr Chase may not be based solely on Sunday's incident.
Since 2021, he's received 4 fines totaling $91,080 for unsportsmanlike conduct infractions ranging from taunting, obscene gestures and verbally abusing an official.
— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) November 17, 2025
Chase’s actions have drawn strong rebukes across the league. From James Harrison to Chad Johnson, few are defending what he did. Current and former players have noted spitting is seen as a felony offense on the football field.
Taylor confirmed that he’s yet to speak with the NFL and does not know what punishments will be handed out. Many expect Chase to be suspended for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots. Ramsey is also subject to further discipline. A hefty fine is certain. A suspension isn’t out of the question. All NFL suspensions are allowed to be appealed, though success rate is relatively low.
With the season series complete, the Steelers and Bengals won’t meet until next season. But this is is a storyline that will carry through to the next meeting, whenever that is in 2026.
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