Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase offers apology to Steelers after spitting, punch incident with Jalen Ramsey

Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase served his one-game suspension during Cincinnati’s 26-20 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday. Chase was suspended for an incident with Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey that occurred the previous week.

Chase spit on Ramsey during a heated exchange in the Bengals’ 34-12 loss. Ramsey retaliated by punching Chase and was ejected from the game. At the time, officials didn’t see Chase spit on Ramsey. On Monday, Chase released an apology for his actions.

“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,” Chase wrote. “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. I want to personally apologize to everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization.

“I let my emotions in the moment 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. I also want to apologize to my coaches, teammates, and organization for not meeting my own standards as a leader of this team.
This has been a tough season with some incredibly hard losses. We’ve all been frustrated. But instead of stepping up with calm, class, and leadership, I let you down.”

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Chase lost just over $500,000 due to the suspension. The Bengals certainly missed Chase’s talent.

The former LSU standout boasts 79 catches for 861 yards and five touchdowns this season. Chase also apologized to Bengals fans for his actions.

“My having to sit out yesterday’s game makes my actions even more inexcusable,” Chase wrote. “I won’t let it happen again. Finally, I want to apologize to my fans. I do not take anyone who wears my jersey for granted. I do not take my position as a role model lightly.

“As someone who strives to lead with character and authenticity, I should have taken immediate accountability for what happened. I am committed to earning back your respect — not just with words, but with my actions, day after day, on and off the field. I promise to keep learning from this and to set a higher standard for myself moving forward.”

In the loss on Sunday, the Bengals recorded just 197 passing yards. Ja’Marr Chase will return for the Bengals on Thursday when they square off against the Baltimore Ravens at 8:20 p.m. ET. Joe Burrow will also be making his returning in that game.