- Ramsey claimed the punch was a reaction to Chase spitting on him, an allegation Chase denied.
- The incident occurred during a timeout, with an official witnessing the punch and immediately throwing a flag.
- Despite Ramsey’s ejection, the Steelers went on to defeat the Bengals 34-12.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey was ejected Sunday for throwing a punch at Cincinnati Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase.
The two stars jawed during a timeout when Ramsey decided to wind up and deliver the blow with a staffer standing beside the two. An official was also in the vicinity, saw the entire incident and immediately threw a flag.
By the end of the confrontation, Chase had lost his helmet and was looking for more action. But the two had been separated by that point and shortly after the referee’s announcement, Ramsey was escorted to the locker room.
Ramsey later told reporters in the locker room following the 34-12 victory that Chase had spit on him and prompted the violent response.
‘He spit on me. So, it sucked,’ Ramsey said. ‘I don’t give a (expletive) about football after that, respectively.’
Chase denied the claim.
‘I ain’t never opened my mouth to that guy,’ Chase said.
The league will investigate Ramsey’s claims that Chase spit on him, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person was granted anonymity to speak freely. The NFL could take further disciplinary action against either player.
Chase said Ramsey didn’t appreciate the swear words Chase directed at Ramsey. He reiterated that he didn’t spit on Ramsey.
‘We (were) going back and forth the whole time,’ Chase told reporters. ‘So I’m sure something got under his skin.’
Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the season opener. He was not suspended for an additional game but fined a $57,222, the equivalent of a full game check.
The good news for the Steelers was that they led 20-9 when Ramsey was ejected. The potentially bad news is that quarterback Aaron Rodgers left with a hand injury he suffered in the second quarter. Mason Rudolph stepped in for the remainder of the game for Pittsburgh.
In the teams’ previous matchup this season, Chase lit up the Steelers’ secondary for 16 catches, 161 receiving yards and a touchdown. The Steelers held Chase in check in the rematch, as the 2024 All-Pro finished with three catches (10 targets) and 30 yards.
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