The NFL suspended Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for one game on Monday due to an act of unsportsmanlike conduct in the Bengals’ most recent loss.
Chase spat on Jalen Ramsey while jawing with the Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback in the fourth quarter of a 34-12 defeat on Sunday.
The All-Pro pass catcher is set to miss Cincinnati’s home matchup with the New England Patriots next Sunday. Barring a successful appeal, Chase can return to the active roster ahead of a Thursday night visit to the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 27.
Video footage disproved Chase’s postgame claim that he didn’t spit on Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro who was traded to Pittsburgh in the offseason. Ramsey was ejected for punching Chase in response.
Chase caught a league-high 79 passes for 861 yards and five touchdowns in Cincinnati’s first 10 games of the season. Despite his production, the Bengals (3-7) have lost three straight games and dropped seven of their last eight while sliding to 32nd in the league in points and yards allowed.
The suspension without pay will cost Chase more than $500,000, per ESPN. His weekly paycheck is $448,333, and he receives a $58,823 bonus for each game that he is active.
If Chase opts to appeal, his case would be heard and ruled upon by one of three hearing officers — Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson — jointly appointed by the league and the NFLPA.
