The Week 11 clash between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh was one of the most heated of the season. More than the Steelers’ 34-12 victory, what fans will remember most is Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase spitting at cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Chase has since issued a public apology.
As is often the case when these divisional rivals meet, emotions ran high. The two teams combined for 16 penalties totaling 143 yards.
Amid the chaos, Chase lost his composure and spat at Ramsey. With tempers already boiling, the Steelers cornerback retaliated by throwing punches, sparking a brawl.
Two weeks later, after serving a one-game suspension, Chase took to social media to apologize: “To my team, the fans, the Bengals organization, the Steelers organization, and the NFL community.”
Chase’s apology-but no mention of Ramsey
In a lengthy Instagram post, Chase accepted responsibility: “What I did was wrong. The circumstances don’t matter. My passion for the game is no excuse.”
He began by apologizing to the opposing team:
“I want to personally apologize to everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. I let my emotions get the better of me. I can only hope and trust you know none of it represents who I am.”
Chase also addressed his own team: “I want to apologize to my coaches, teammates, and organization for not meeting my own standards as a leader of this team.”
He admitted the Bengals’ frustrating season contributed to his emotions, but emphasized that it was no excuse. Still, one omission stood out-he never mentioned Jalen Ramsey by name.
Ramsey’s consequences
Chase was suspended without pay for the Week 12 game, which Cincinnati lost 26-20 to New England. Ramsey, meanwhile, was fined $14,191 for his role in the altercation.
Although the Bengals and Steelers won’t meet again this season, both Chase and Ramsey are expected to remain with their teams. If so, fans won’t have to wait long to see whether the bad blood truly fades when they face off next year.
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