Jalen Ramsey ejection: NFL fines CB for punching Ja'Marr Chase over spitting on him

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey has been fined $14,491 for his altercation with Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase last Sunday. Ramsey was ejected from the game after grabbing Chase’s face mask and punching him after it appeared as if words had been exchanged.

Following the game, video footage surfaced that showed Chase spitting on Ramsey. That led to the altercation, completely flipping the script on the incident. As punishment for the disrespectful action, Chase was suspended for Cincinnati’s game against the New England Patriots on Sunday.

The NFL fined Steelers DB Jalen Ramsey $14,491 for unsportsmanlike conduct — his role in an altercation with Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase.

Officials ejected Ramsey, but did not penalize Chase, who lost over $500,000 for his one-game suspension.

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“I’ve always thought it was unbelievable how he’s handled himself in some really high-pressure, emotional decisions,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said. “Obviously, what happened is crossing the line. We can’t have that. And I know he’ll own up to that. But beyond that, I’ve always sat up here and praised Ja’Marr because he’s one of the best leaders we’ve got.”

Taylor was further pressed about Chase but stayed consistent. This incident doesn’t change how he feels about him, he said.

“I’m not perfect. Trust me. I made plenty of mistakes people don’t see on camera. Unfortunately, his was,” Taylor continued. “He’s going to have to own up for that and that’ll be part of his journey.”

The one-game suspension for Chase is consistent with previous spitting incidents. Back in Week 1, Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Since Carter was ejected before participating in a single play, that served as his one-game suspension. Carter was also fined $57,222.

Chase will lose a lot of money due to his absence on Sunday. He is set to forfeit his $448,333 game check and a $58,824 active roster bonus.