CINCINNATI – Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase publicly apologized Monday for spitting on Steelers safety Jalen Ramsey during their Week 11 matchup, addressing the incident extensively during his first press conference since completing a one-game suspension. The exchange, which led too Ramsey’s ejection for retaliating with a punch, has prompted Chase to reflect on his actions and establish boundaries for acceptable on-field behavior.
The incident occurred during the fourth quarter of the November 26th game and resulted in Chase being suspended for Week 12. While acknowledging opponents frequently attempt to provoke him, Chase stated a line was crossed, leading to his “out of control, out of character” reaction. This situation is particularly noteworthy as the Bengals prepare for a crucial Thanksgiving Day game against the Ravens with quarterback Joe Burrow returning from injury, and the team hopes to refocus attention on football rather than player conduct.
“There’s stuff you’re going to allow and stuff you’re not going to allow,” Chase explained. ”There’s a limit to everything.” He declined to detail the specific catalyst for his actions, emphasizing that the incident differed from previous attempts to unsettle him.
Chase expressed no concern over potential lasting negative perception stemming from the suspension. ”I don’t realy have nothing to prove with who I am,” he said. “Either you like me or you don’t. I could care less. . . . I’m going out there to be the same player I am and play football. At the end of the day, nobody gonna stop me from who I am.” The Bengals will look to quickly re-establish chemistry between Burrow and chase against Baltimore.
