The NFL world has been buzzing this week over the altercation between wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and cornerback Jalen Ramsey near the end of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Both players initially received unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, but Ramsey ended up with a second, leading to his ejection. Controversy followed, as video later showed that Chase had spit on Ramsey, which prompted Ramsey to grab Chase's helmet, resulting in that second penalty.
"He spit on me, so, it's up," Ramsey said after the game. "I don't give a [explicit] about football after that. Respectfully."
The referees didn't catch it in real time, but after an NFL investigation, Chase was suspended for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots and will forfeit over $507,000 by missing the contest.
The league still faces a decision regarding Ramsey, determining whether he deserves any discipline for receiving two penalties for the same incident. While he won't face a suspension, the NFL releases weekly fines every Saturday at 4 p.m., and they will decide if Ramsey's actions-despite being provoked-still warrant a financial penalty.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin excused Ramsey's reaction, but as NBC Sports' Mike Florio noted on Wednesday, the NFL may not be as forgiving. Florio reported that Ramsey could be facing a fine of just over $12,000.
That said, Ramsey may have a legitimate case if he chooses to appeal the fine, assuming it is enforced by the league on Saturday.
Chase attempted to appeal his suspension, arguing that if the act had been intentional, he would have spat directly in Ramsey's face rather than on his jersey. That argument, however, was unsuccessful, and the NFL upheld Chase's suspension.
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