Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Ja’Marr Chase Served with 1 Game Suspension and a Huge Fine for Spitting on Steelers’ Cornerback Jalen Ramsey!

Ja'Marr Chase set to miss Bengals' Week 12 clash against the Patriots

Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Divisional games in the NFL are always filled with that extra bit of intensity, and the rivalries that go back several decades bring out the best in players. Sometimes, though, they can also get quite heated and lead to on-field altercations that get out of hand quickly.

The Week 11 game on Sunday between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers had one such incident where Bengals’ receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Steelers’ corner Jalen Ramsey clashed on the field, resulting in an ugly sportsmanship spirit that has caused the league to intervene.

NFL suspended Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase for spitting at Steelers DB Jalen Ramsey. Chase denied spitting at Ramsey, but the league determined the video evidence was sufficient to warrant a suspension. pic.twitter.com/ogVs66Xjeh
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2025

NFL Hands One-Game Suspension to Chase

Things on the field escalated quickly between Ja’Marr Chase and Jalen Ramsey in the Bengals vs Steelers game on Sunday. The duo, who were going at it during the game, were seen at one point talking smack with each other, when Chase spat on Ramsey’s jersey, leading to retaliation from the Steelers’ cornerback.

The pair were separated quickly, and after reviewing the incident, the league has handed Chase a one-game suspension as well as a fine of upwards of $500,000. The fine includes his weekly paycheck worth $448,333, along with his $58,823 per game active bonus, which he will have to forfeit.

The one-game suspension also comes at a crucial time in the Bengals’ season. With a 3-7 record on the season and still without starting quarterback Joe Burrow, this is the last thing Cincinnati needed. Moreover, their next game is against the league leaders, the New England Patriots.

.@mspears96 says Ja'Marr Chase should be "thankful" that the NFL only suspended him one game for spitting. pic.twitter.com/0oN72nPXvh
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 17, 2025

Ja’Marr Chase to Appeal Suspension

Following the game against the Steelers, Chase was adamant that he didn’t spit on anyone. Many people within the NFL community have turned on him since his comments, as video cameras along the ground clearly show spit coming out of his mouth and landing on Ramsey’s jersey.

However, there is widespread speculation that Chase is likely to appeal the suspension, which he has the right to do. That said, if he proceeds to appeal, it would be a foolish decision that will not only backfire but also further diminish whatever respect he has earned in this league, considering the video proof is legit.

As per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Chase is considering appealing the ban. “My understanding is (Chase) is going to appeal, with his argument essentially being, as far as I understand, if he was going to spit on Jalen Ramsey, he would have spit in the face rather than just on the floor or on the jersey.”

We will find out soon whether or not Chase actually goes ahead and appeals the verdict; however, the best line of action for the receiver is to accept the penalty, support his teammates for the upcoming game, and get back to doing what he does best: catch balls and score touchdowns for his team.

Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

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Devavrat Kulkarni

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I am a content writer for the NFL team, and joined The Playoffs after working with Sportskeeda and NFL Analysis as an NFL writer. After starting my professional career as a French-to-English translator, working as a content writer is a new adventure for me. I started out in the sports media field for two main reasons: my love for sports in general, especially the NFL, NBA, and Tennis, as well as my passion for writing. The best part of this job is that I get to write a variety of pieces with the freedom to explore content from various angles. It also enables me to stay up to date with the sporting world, which otherwise can be difficult to do in the day-to-day grind. In a world full of chaos, sports unite and entertain like nothing else!