In the aftermath of a heated game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chase was suspended one game without pay by the National Football League after video footage showed him spitting in the direction of opponent Jalen Ramsey during the loss. The incident took place during Cincinnati’s 34-12 defeat and followed a scuffle in which Ramsey threw a punch and was ejected, though officials did not initially flag the spitting.
The suspension carries significant financial consequences: Chase would forfeit his weekly paycheck of $448,333 plus a per-game active bonus of $58,823 if the decision stands. He is appealing the punishment through designated hearing officers jointly appointed by the league and the players’ association. His coach, Zac Taylor, acknowledged Chase’s leadership role and past maturity but emphasized that the spitting incident “crossed the line.”
This marks the first suspension of Chase’s career and comes amid a rough season for the Bengals, who have lost seven of their past eight games. Ramsey, meanwhile, expressed his belief the spitting could not be tolerated, asserting that it changed his focus in the moment: “I don’t care about football after that, respectfully.”
