The NFL suspended Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for one game after determining that he spat on Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey.
On Monday, the NFL announced a one-game suspension for Chase. The league’s statement, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, cited a rule regarding “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”
Chase plans to appeal the suspension, according to Schefter. The four-time Pro Bowler will miss a Week 12 game against the New England Patriots if the one-game ban is upheld.
Officials ejected Ramsey from Sunday’s 34-12 win over the Bengals after he threw a punch at Chase. The 31-year-old accused Chase of spitting on him before the physical altercation.
Chase denied spitting on Ramsey, but on-field video appears to verify that it happened.
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“I never opened my mouth to that guy,” Chase told reporters after the game. “I didn’t spit on nobody.”
On the other hand, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor seemed to confirm the alleged spitting.
“Obviously what happened is crossing the line,” Taylor said, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. “We can’t have that. I know he’ll own up to that.”
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Barring a successful appeal, Chase will lose a $448,333 game check along with a $58,823 bonus for his one-game suspension. The 25-year-old caught three of 10 targets for 30 yards in Cincinnati’s Week 11 loss at Acrisure Stadium.
The NFL has not revealed any further discipline for Ramsey, who could at least face a fine. He may be in the clear to play Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.
More NFL: How Jalen Ramsey Addressed Ejection After Steelers Win Over Bengals
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Featured image via Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images