A jointly appointed NFL-NFLPA arbitrator has upheld Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase’s one-game suspension for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers DB Jalen Ramsey during Sunday’s game. Jordy Nelson heard Chase’s case but opted against reducing Chase’s punishment.
Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, has upheld the one-game suspension of Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase.
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) November 19, 2025
It’s a predictable outcome. Not just for the low success rate of appeals but the merits of the case. Video showed Chase clearly spitting on Ramsey’s jersey, prompting Ramsey to punch Chase. Ramsey was flagged and ejected from the game while Chase received no in-game punishment.
Reportedly, Chase’s appeal centered around the notion that if he would have intentionally spit on Ramsey, it would’ve been in his face instead of his jersey. A dubious case to make. Whatever argument Chase brought to the appeal clearly didn’t work. Speaking to reporters post-game, Chase claimed he did not spit on Ramsey. That was proven to be a lie.
In addition to missing Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, Chase will also forfeit his entire game check. A more than $500,000 sum.
Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA, has upheld the one-game suspension of Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase.
Here is the total cost to Chase: pic.twitter.com/bPvk77A3Xa
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 19, 2025
Chase will be eligible to return Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ramsey was not suspended for his actions. A fine is still possible, likely even, but won’t be known until the NFL releases its weekly fine information Saturday at 4 PM/EST. It could range from $14,000 to $21,000.
Teammates defended Ramsey’s actions. Mike Tomlin also seemed to support them after learning that Chase spit on Ramsey.
“I have no message if someone spits in your face,” Tomlin said during his Tuesday press conference when asked if he sent Ramsey a message. “Do what comes natural.”
Pittsburgh held Chase to three catches for 30 yards in the loss, tying for his lowest receptions mark against the Steelers and setting a new low in receiving yards. At 3-7, the Bengals season is effectively over and the franchise is poised to miss the playoffs for the third-straight season.
Pittsburgh and Cincinnati spilt the season series and won’t meet again until sometime in 2026.
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