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Mike Tomlin defends Jalen Ramsey punching Ja'Marr Chase after being spit on

Meby: Nick Geddes16 hours agoNickGeddesNews
Jalen Ramsey
Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jalen Ramsey was ejected from Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals for throwing a punch at wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Ramsey’s punch was in response to Chase spitting on him.

Asked Tuesday if he had a message for Ramsey, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin came to the defense of his veteran defender: “I have no message if someone spits in your face. Do what comes natural.”

Though Chase denied after the game that he spit on Ramsey, the NFL determined that he did and suspended him one game. Ramsey was adamant that Chase spit on him, which video later showed to be true, leading to him responding with a punch. As of writing, Ramsey has not received further discipline from the NFL for striking Chase.

“He spit on me. So, it sucked,” Ramsey said. “I don’t give a [expletive] about football after that, respectfully.”

Chase, told what Ramsey had to say, denied the accusation: “I never opened my mouth to that guy… I didn’t spit on nobody.” Chase declined to speak to reporters Monday. He is appealing the suspension. Hearing officer Jordy Nelson will decide Tuesday if Chase’s suspension will stand.

Bengals HC Zac Taylor: Ja’Marr Chase crossed a line in spitting on Jalen Ramsey

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 if his suspension is upheld. He is set to forfeit his $448,333 game check and a $58,824 active roster bonus.

Prior to the league announcing Chase’s suspension, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor addressed his star wideout’s actions against the Steelers. Taylor stood up for Chase, though he admitted that the 25-year-old crossed a line.

“I’ve always thought it was unbelievable how he’s handled himself in some really high-pressure, emotional decisions,” 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.”