Ja’Marr Chase, the Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver, has been suspended without pay for one game after spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey.[1] During Sunday’s matchup between the division rivals, Ramsey was ejected for throwing a punch at Chase. It was later determined that this punch came in response to Chase spitting on Ramsey.[2] In issuing the suspension, the NFL cited the section of the rulebook that applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principals of sportsmanship.”[3]
Chase initially denied the allegation, saying “I didn’t spit on nobody.” However, field-level footage from Fox 19 confirmed the incident. As a result, Chase will sit out their Week 12 game against the New England Patriots.[4]
Based on Chase’s 2025 salary of $8.07 million, a one-game suspension without pay will cost him $448,333.[5] In addition to that, he would have to forfeit his $58,823 per game active bonus, forfeiting a total of $507,156.[6]
Chase appealed the suspension, which was set for a hearing on Tuesday. Hearing officer Jordy Nelson will decide whether to confirm or reverse the one-game suspension.[7] Chase’s strongest argument is likely the league’s handling of a similar Week 1 incident in which Jalen Carter was fined and ejected early in the game for spitting, with the ejection essentially serving as his suspension.[8] Chase’s one-game suspension was upheld on Tuesday by Nelson.[9]
Chase has been dished unsportsmanlike fines two times in the 2024 season, including a fine for a non-physical offense against an official and another fine for an obscene gesture.[10] Stephen A. Smith, ESPN analyst, believes the NFL must send a message to Chase.[11] Smith believes this instance warrants a two-game suspension, one for the spitting and one for lying about it.[12]
Regardless of the appeals outcome, the NFL has made it clear it will punish instances of spitting on other players, and this case will likely create a precedent for similar incidents.
Meanwhile, in the NBA, player conduct is also under scrutiny.[13] Draymond Green received a warning for confronting a fan in New Orleans last night after they repeatedly yelled “Angel Reese” toward Green.[14] While the NBA issued no punishment, it was important to send a warning to Green with the goal of preventing similar incidents in the future. Green has previously been fined for confrontations with fans, including two separate instances in 2022, one for flipping off fans in Memphis on the way to the locker room, and one for directing obscene language at a fan in Dallas.[15]
Both leagues continue to rely on warnings and penalties as tools to deter players from inappropriate behavior on the field or court.
[1] Jayna Bardahl and Paul Dehner Jr., Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase suspended 1 game for spitting at Steelers’ Jalen Ramsey, The Athletic (November 17, 2025)
[2] Id.
[3] Ja’Marr Chase suspension upheld; Bengals WR to sit vs. Pats, ESPN (November 18, 2025)
[4] Id.
[5] Mike Florio, Ja’Marr Chase has $448,333 riding on today’s appeal hearing, NBC Sports (November 18, 2025)
[6] Steve Henson, Spitting on Steelers’ Jalen Ramsey to cost Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase $500,000 for 1-game suspension, Los Angeles Times (November 18, 2025)
[7] Id. Supra note 4.
[8] Id.
[9] Id. Supra note 3.
[10] Id. Supra note 1.
[11] The NFL needs to send a message to Ja’Marr Chase
[12] Id.
[13] Anthony Slater, NBA warns Draymond Green for interacting with vocal fan, ESPN (November 18, 2025)
[14] Id.
[15] Id.
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