Did Ja’Marr Chase Actually Spit on Jalen Ramsey?
The Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, and maybe that’s not all.
After the game, Pittsburgh DB Jalen Ramsey accused Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase of spitting on him during a standoff in the second half that led to Ramsey’s ejection.
Chase finished the game, a 34-12 Steelers win, but his status for next week is in question.
What happened?
Ramsey and Chase were called for offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties during a drive early in the fourth quarter.
Shortly thereafter, the two had to be separated again, and another flag was thrown.
This time, only Ramsey was called for a personal foul, resulting his ejection and the Bengals getting an automatic first down.
The game broadcast caught Ramsey throwing a punch, but he would have been tossed anyway for his second personal foul of the game.
The Bengals ended up scoring a field goal on that drive to pull within 20-12, but the Steelers tacked on touchdowns via both their offense and defense to win going away.
Postgame explanations
After the game, Ramsey told reporters in the Pittsburgh locker room he threw a punch at Chase because the receiver spit on him.
That is something Chase denied.
“Just exchanging words.” As for Jalen Ramsey accusing him of spitting, “I ain’t never opened my mouth to that guy…. I didn’t spit on nobody.” pic.twitter.com/YxKClKnuS8
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) November 16, 2025
However, video soon emerged from FOX19 WXIX-TV in Cincinnati that appeared to contradict his account.
Field-level view of the second altercation between Ja'Marr Chase and Jalen Ramsey. Chase said "I didn't spit on nobody."
— Austin Briski (@austin_briski) November 16, 2025
The video clearly shows he did.#Bengals @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/ooGzInoPdS
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the league will review the incident, and a decision is expected Monday.
If past is precedent, there seems to be a good chance Chase is suspended by the league.
Based on the Jalen Carter punishment from earlier this year, this video should lead to a suspension for Ja'Marr Chase, who did exactly what he said he didn't do. https://t.co/LBLYO1CgHb
— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) November 16, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected from the first game of the regular season after spitting Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Carter was able to play the following week, but the league said in a press release that was because he had not participated in any of the game on opening night.
He still forfeited a game check.
All in all, Sunday was a disappointing day for Chase and the Bengals.
He was held to three catches for 30 yards one month after catching 16 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown in a 33-31 win over the Steelers that resuscitated Cincinnati’s season, at least for the time being.
This loss dropped them three games back of the first-place Steelers in the AFC North. They are two games behind Baltimore despite Joe Flacco giving the offense a shot in the arm after Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury in Week 2.
Burrow could return later this month.