Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase broke his silence on Monday after being issued a one-game suspension by the NFL for an on-field incident with Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey.
The incident occurred late in the game during a week 11 loss to the Steelers, video showing Chase spitting at Ramsey, who immediately grabbed the Bengals star and punched him before being ejected.
Chase — after initially denying he spat at his opponent — made a public apology on social media, addressing the matter. He walked back his earlier comments and took full responsibility.
“What I did was wrong. The circumstances don’t matter. My passion for the game is no excuse. There’s zero place in our sport — or in life — for that level of disrespect.”
He then went on to apologize to his teammates, the Bengals organization and the entire NFL community, but never mentioned Ramsey by name.
The apology came a day after the Bengals lost to the New England Patriots, with Chase not able to play due to his suspension.
This marks the second time this season the NFL has disciplined a player for spitting. Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was suspended during the NFL’s Week 1 opener for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Chase will be back for next week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night.
