NFL Overreactions Week 11
USAT’s Prince Grimes breaks down the biggest storylines from NFL Week 11.
Sports Seriously
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey got an early hook from Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals for his role in a scrap with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. On Monday, it was Ramsey’s counterpart who was punished.
The NFL has suspended Chase for one game after it determined he spit toward Ramsey, igniting the fourth-quarter scuffle.
Chase plans to appeal the ruling, a person with knowledge of the receiver’s plans told the Cincinnati Enquirer and the USA TODAY Network. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about Chase’s next steps.
If his appeal is unsuccessful, Chase will miss the Bengals’ Week 12 contest against the New England Patriots. He will also lose his weekly paycheck of $448,333 and a $58,823 bonus for being active.
Chase denied Ramsey’s claim that the receiver had spit when the two met face-to-face, but video footage appeared to contradict the Bengals standout’s assertion.
“I ain’t ever opened my mouth to that guy,” Chase told reporters. “I didn’t spit on nobody.”
Ramsey was ejected after taking a swing at Chase’s helmet, earning him his second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after the two were flagged following the previous third-down play for offsetting infractions.
“I don’t give a (expletive) about football after that, respectfully,” Ramsey said of his allegation against Chase.
Referee Bill Vinovich said in a pool report after the game that officials did not observe Chase spitting toward Ramsey.
Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward delivered a pointed rebuke of Chase after the game.
“Two competitors, but one guy took it too far,” Heyward told reporters. “Our guy got penalized, but if you’re going to spit on a guy, you don’t belong in the game. Hopefully the NFL handles it.”
Chase’s suspension comes as the NFL continues to emphasize sportsmanship in the 2025 season.
In September, Jalen Carter was ejected from the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys after spitting toward quarterback Dak Prescott before the first play from scrimmage. Carter was docked one full game check, but the league considered his absence from the entire contest a fulfillment of a one-game suspension that didn’t necessitate an additional ban.
Chase, however, was not removed from Sunday’s matchup.
Prior to the announcement of the punishment on Monday, Bengals coach Zac Taylor stood by Chase while acknowledging he believed that the receiver had erred.
“Obviously what happened is crossing the line. He’ll own up to that,” Taylor said. “Ja’Marr is one of my favorite players. I love how this guy handles everything that he’s been a part of. So making one mistake doesn’t disregard everything this guy’s done that’s been positive for us.”
