Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase has issued a public apology for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers FS Jalen Ramsey during Week 11’s game last Sunday. Chase was suspended one game for his actions and in turn, forfeited his roughly $500,000 game check.
Chase took to Instagram to post a screenshot of his typed out apology, including the Steelers’ organization, Bengals’ fans, and NFL for his actions. The beginning of the letter read:
“Please know I am speaking from my heart when I say I take full responsibility for my actions during last Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh.
“What I did was wrong. The circumstances don’t matter. My passion for the game is no excuse. There’s zero place in our sport – in our life – for that level of disrespect.
I want to personally apologies to everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. I let my emotions get the better of me. I can only hope and trust you know none of it represents who I am – not as a competitor, teammate, or person.”
He used the rest of the letter to apologize to the Bengals’ organization while outlining the difficult season Cincinnati has endured. Without Chase, the Bengals fell to 3-8 yesterday after a loss to the New England Patriots. Even with Joe Burrow set to return in Week 13, the Bengals’ playoff hopes are virtually zero.
In the apology, Chase did not mention Ramsey by name. He only spoke about Pittsburgh broadly.
Chase spit on Ramsey during the fourth quarter of Week 12’s game after repeated post-play skirmishes with him. The two were flagged for offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties the play before. After a Bengals’ timeout, Chase and Ramsey linked back up and jawed back and forth. Chase spit on Ramsey’s jersey with Ramsey responding by throwing a punch. Ramsey was penalized and ejected while Chase was not flagged, refs claiming they did not see him spit.
Post-game, Chase denied spitting or opening his mouth towards Ramsey. Video proved Chase lied, clearly showing Chase spit. The NFL suspended him the next day. Chase had his appeal rejected by former NFL player and arbitrator Jordy Nelson. He will return to play in Thursday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Ramsey was fined nearly $15,000 for throwing his punch. He has the right to appeal but it’s unknown if he did and if he will win it. Ramsey speaks to the media each Friday. We’ll see if he’s asked to respond to or accept Chase’s apology.
The Steelers and Bengals won’t see each other until 2026.
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