Bengals Star Ja'Marr Chase Suspended for Spitting Incident

On November 18, 2025, the NFL announced that it has suspended Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase for one game due to an unsportsmanlike incident during the team's Week 11 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The suspension comes after video evidence showed Chase spitting at Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey during a confrontation between the two players in the fourth quarter of the game. Chase had initially denied the accusation, but the league determined that his actions violated the league's rules on sportsmanship.

The suspension will cost Chase his usual weekly paycheck of $448,333, as well as a $58,823 per-game active bonus. The Bengals, who currently sit at 3-7 after losing three straight games, will now have to face the red-hot New England Patriots in Week 12 without their star receiver.

The incident occurred when Chase and Ramsey were face-to-face, their facemasks pressed together, between plays. Ramsey had initially grabbed Chase's facemask and thrown a punch, leading to his own ejection from the game. However, Ramsey later accused Chase of spitting at him, which the video evidence confirmed.

Many in the sports world, including baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, have criticized Chase's actions, with Jackson stating that spitting on an opponent "brands you" and that Chase should have handled the situation in a more private manner.