CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase expressed regret and accountability monday for his conduct during an on-field altercation with Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey, acknowledging the incident does not reflect his character. chase was suspended by the NFL following video evidence showing him spitting toward Ramsey during a November 19th game against the Rams.
“I can only hope and trust that none of this represents who I am, neither as a competitor, nor as a teammate, nor as a person,” Chase said in a statement released through the team.He also stated, “As someone who strives to lead with character and authenticity, he should have taken immediate responsibility for what happened,” appearing to reference his initial denial of the action. Following the game,Chase claimed he never “opened his mouth to that guy” and declined to address the incident with reporters the following day.
The league upheld Chase’s suspension after he filed an appeal last week. Both Chase and Ramsey were initially penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, receiving warnings from referee Bill Vinovich after a physical confrontation. Ramsey was fined $14,191 for throwing a punch in retaliation for being spat on, while Chase forfeited over $500,000 in salary due to missing the Bengals’ 26-20 loss to the New England Patriots.
Chase,a four-time Pro Bowler and current first-team All-Pro selection,has been penalized four times for unsportsmanlike conduct or provocation as entering the league in 2021,placing him third in the NFL during that period,behind DK Metcalf and George Pickens,both with five penalties.
Chase returned to the Bengals facility Monday after serving his suspension and is scheduled to address the media Tuesday for the first time as the incident. Bengals coach Zac Taylor stated the team is “moving full speed ahead” as they prepare for Thursday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.
