While Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase was suspended earlier this week for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers DB Jalen Ramsey, who was ejected from the Week 11 matchup between the two teams, Ramsey didn’t avoid further punishment. Per the NFL gameday accountability page, Ramsey was fined $14,491 for punching Chase.
It’s the second time Ramsey has been fined this season, as he was also fined $17,389 after a hit on WR Michael Pittman Jr. of the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9. While Ramsey was fined for spitting on Ramsey, he did avoid suspension, which would’ve also cost him a game check, so the $14,491 he was fined is just a drop in the bucket compared to what he could’ve lost.
Ramsey got support from Mike Tomlin, his teammates, and people around the league for his reaction. While it wasn’t shown in real time, Ramsey claimed after the game that Chase spit on him, and a field-level video released after the game clearly showed Chase spitting before Ramsey responded with a punch.
It’s not a huge surprise that Ramsey wound up getting fined, as is pretty customary for any blow to the head or neck area, especially intentional. But the NFL sided with Ramsey by not suspending him, and the Steelers will have their starting safety in the lineup against the Chicago Bears tomorrow. Meanwhile, Chase will be on the sidelines while the 3-7 Bengals try to salvage their season against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
So far this season, Ramsey has 47 tackles, two sacks, six passes defensed and an interception. The Steelers moved him to safety ahead of Week 9 and he’s continued starting at safety across from Kyle Dugger, the first time in his career that he’s been a full-time safety.
All fines collected by the league are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support Legends in need and the NFL Foundation to support safety and wellness of youth athletes.
Recommended for you