Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey has been the talk of the NFL world after his decision to punch Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, which resulted in his ejection during their Week 11 game. However, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin seems to understand Ramsey’s part in the altercation..
At first glance, it appeared as if Ramsey’s decision to punch Chase was largely unwarranted aside from the typical jawing back and forth after a play. Notably, Ramsey was the only player involved in the altercation to be penalized for his actions.
Shortly after the game, fans received the whole picture. Ramsey justified his actions by claiming that Chase had spit on him, and video evidence emerged showing that Ramsey’s punch was indeed reactionary.
As a result, Chase is set to miss the Bengals’ Week 12 game against the New England Patriots after being issued a one-game suspension.
Some coaches likely would have taken issue with one of their star players throwing a punch under any circumstances. Tomlin, on the other hand, seems entirely okay with how his star cornerback handled himself.
Addressing the incident on Tuesday, Tomlin made it clear that he wouldn’t have had any advice for Ramsey to do anything differently based on what led up to the altercation.
“I have no message if someone spits in your face. Do what comes natural,” said Tomlin.
It’s hard to disagree with Tomlin in this instance. Ramsey’s reaction sure seems to be entirely understandable given Chase’s decision to spit on him.
Maybe there is an argument to be made that Ramsey could have avoided this moment altogether by simply not getting into Chase’s face. Either way, the seven-time Pro Bowler stood up for himself in a way that most NFL players likely would have.
Unfortunately, this incident involving Ramsey takes away from his actual play on the field on Sunday, which was incredibly impressive.
Matched up with Chase for much of the day, Ramsey was able to limit him to just three catches for 30 receiving yards. This marks the second-lowest receiving yards that Chase has had all season.
Ramsey will look to build on this in a Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears, while Chase will likely be watching his teammates from the sidelines unless his suspension gets overturned on appeal.
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