Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has apologized to Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey and the organization for spitting on Ramsey a week ago.
Chase said what he was wrong, and accepted the one-game suspension that forced him to miss the team’s last game against the New England Patriots.
“What I did was wrong,” Chase said on Instagram in a statement. “The circumstances don’t matter. My passion for the game is no excuse. “There’s zero place in our sport – or in life – for that level of disrespect.”
The suspension is in line with Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter, who was suspended one game for spitting at Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott to open the season.
Ramsey was ejected for throwing a punch, but later video showcased that Chase spit on Ramsey. Ramsey’s name did not appear in the ruling, meaning he likely is not suspended, but he will likely face a hefty fine.
Ramsey spoke with conviction and venom about Chase.
“I was still a little too nice if I’m keeping it honest with you,” he said.
Asked if spitting was the most disrespectful thing a player can do, he responded, “It is ... it’s a [expletive] disgrace.”
Ramsey moved to safety before the team’s game against the Indianapolis Colts and has been excellent since that moment, bringing stability to the secondary.