Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase will serve a one-game suspension for spitting on an opponent after his appeal was denied on Tuesday.
The punishment stems from Chase’s actions involving Steelers safety Jalen Ramsey in a game that Pittsburgh won 34-12. Ramsey punched Chase in the fourth quarter and was ejected, while Chase wasn’t penalized despite Ramsey maintaining that Chase spit on him.
Video later emerged showing Chase spitting, prompting the NFL to issue the suspension on Monday.
Chase appealed, but his case was rejected by a hearing officer jointly selected by the NFL and the players union, Jordy Nelson.
Chase will be unavailable when the Bengals (3-7) play host to the New England Patriots (9-2) on Sunday.
According to Pro Football Talk, Chase becomes the first NFL player suspended for spitting. Players previously received fines for spitting incidents.
Chase, 25, leads the NFL with 79 receptions this season, logging three for 30 yards against Pittsburgh. He has 861 receiving yards and five touchdowns this year. In 2024, he topped the league in all of the major receiving categories: catches (127), receiving yards (1,708) and receiving TDs (17).
A Pro Bowl honoree in each of his previous four NFL seasons, all with Cincinnati, Chase has 474 catches for 6,286 yards and 51 touchdowns in 72 games (71 starts).
