Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor says that he had a talk with star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase on Monday, and that spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey was out of line.
Taylor said he stands by Chase having a good football character, but that play was not indicative of the type of person he has known Chase to be throughout his tenure with the Bengals.
“Will keep my conversation with Ja’Marr Chase private. I’ve always been impressed with how he’s handled himself. What happened is unacceptable, but he’s one of the best leaders we have and I’ve always appreciated how he’s handled himself,” Taylor said.
Ramsey was ejected for throwing a punch, but later video showcased that Chase spit on Ramsey. Both players could face fines and/or suspensions for their actions.
Ramsey spoke with conviction and venom about Chase.
“I was still a little too nice if I’m keeping it honest with you,” he said.
Asked if spitting was the most disrespectful thing a player can do, he responded, “It is ... it’s a [expletive] disgrace.”
Ramsey said he hopes that after the cameras show Chase spit on him, he will be vindicated. Chase and Ramsey can still face punishment from the league, including a suspension and/or fines.
Chase could see the suspension, as Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was suspended for spitting in the team’s first game of the season against the Dallas Cowboys. Because he was ejected before the first snap of the game, the NFL considered Carter’s suspension served.
As for the referees, head official Bill Vinovich said they saw Ramsey and Chase going at multiple times throughout the game, but they never saw Chase spit on Ramsey.
“No. 5 for Pittsburgh punched No. 1 from Cincinnati,” Vinovich said. “Obviously, we did not [see Chase spit]. We did not see anything that rose to that level at all.”
By video, Ramsey should be vindicated with his version of the story. However, it is unknown just how the NFL will decide to bring discipline against Chase and Ramsey. Ramsey was ejected, leading to the onus on him, but the cameras will show what Chase did.
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