The fallout continues after a heated fourth-quarter confrontation between Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey, with the NFL now reviewing video that appears to show Chase spitting toward Ramsey during Sunday’s 34–12 loss. What began as a tense on-field exchange has quickly escalated into one of the league’s most scrutinized incidents of the week—one that could lead to discipline for one or both players.
NFL opens investigation into viral incident
The controversy erupted after footage circulated online appearing to show Chase directing spit toward Ramsey moments before the Steelers star threw a punch, resulting in his ejection. The league wasted little time launching an investigation, with CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones confirming that the NFL will examine all available angles to determine whether discipline is warranted.
A near-identical situation earlier this season may influence the league’s decision. In Week 1, video showed Philadelphia Eagles lineman Jalen Carter spitting toward Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Carter was ejected and later fined $57,222, with the ejection effectively serving as his suspension. That precedent could weigh heavily on Ja’Marr Chase’s case.
Conflicting accounts from Chase and Ramsey
Postgame comments from both players only added fuel to the debate. Jalen Ramsey insisted he was spat on, while Chase firmly denied the claim despite the video making rounds.
Head official Bill Vinovich provided more context, explaining that the officiating crew did not see any spitting during the game.
“There was a scuffle between the two,” Vinovich said. “We had been dealing with it all day and then it kind of escalated. They were both grabbing each other’s facemasks.”
On the punch that led to Ramsey’s ejection, Vinovich said the crew had a “clear punch” and issued a disqualification. When asked whether he saw Chase spit, he added, “No. Obviously, we did not. We did not see anything that rose to that level at all.”
Possible outcomes as league reviews precedent
According to Jonathan Jones, what the NFL ultimately sees on film will determine what’s next.
“With the ejection, (Jalen Ramsey) should get fined,” Jones said. “But if they determine that he was not the aggressor but in fact he was reacting to being spit upon, I would anticipate that (Ramsey) would not get fined. And instead, Ja’Marr Chase would be suspended for a game. Because they set the precedent with (Carter) in Week 1.”
With more than 12 minutes remaining at the time of the incident, Chase did not receive an in-game dismissal—making the league’s decision even more pivotal. Whether the league opts for a fine, a suspension, or both remains uncertain, especially given questions surrounding what video angles were available to officials during real time.