One-game suspension upheld. Ja’Marr Chase won’t play against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 23. The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver lost an appeal over spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey during Week 11. Hearing officer Jordy Nelson upheld the discipline on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Ja’Marr Chase spat on Jalen Ramsey in Week 11 game between Bengals and Steelers
- Suspension forfeits $507,156 – $448,333 weekly salary plus $58,823 game bonus
- Jordy Nelson, a former Green Bay Packers player, heard appeal and upheld punishment
- Chase has 79 receptions and 5 touchdowns through Week 11 this season
- Bengals face Patriots as replacement receiver Jermaine Burton steps up
The Spitting Incident That Started It All
Things escalated fast during the Week 11 matchup between the Bengals and Steelers. Chase and Ramsey got into a heated verbal altercation on the field. Then Chase spat in Ramsey’s direction during the fourth quarter. Ramsey retaliated by throwing a punch at Chase and got ejected from the game.
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The NFL wasted no time. They suspended Chase one game without pay for violating sportsmanship rules. Chase immediately appealed the discipline, hoping to avoid missing crucial game time. His case went before Jordy Nelson, a neutral hearing officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association.
“All NFL players are now on clear notice. Spitting on an opponent will result in a one-game suspension.”
Appeal Denied: The Final Verdict
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, Nelson issued his decision. He upheld the one-game suspension without modifications. The former Packers standout saw no reason to overturn the league’s ruling. Chase’s appeal was officially rejected.
That means Chase sits out the crucial Week 12 matchup against the Patriots. The impact? Huge financially and logistically. Chase forfeits every penny of his $448,333 weekly paycheck plus his $58,823 per-game active bonus. That’s $507,156 gone due to one momentary lapse in judgment. The Bengals lose their dynamic star receiver when they need him most in the playoff push.
Season Numbers & Impact on Cincinnati
Before missing Sunday, Chase was having a stellar 2025 season. Through 10 games, he’d caught 79 passes for 861 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. He led the league in targets with 115. Those numbers ranked him 1st in receptions among receivers and 3rd in receiving yards. Now the Bengals must shift their offense and game plan.
| Stat Category | Chase (2025 Season) | League Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Receptions | 79 | 1st |
| Receiving Yards | 861 | 3rd |
| Targets | 115 | 1st |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 5 | Tied 14th |
| Yards Per Reception | 10.9 | — |
The Bengals will rely on second-year receiver Jermaine Burton to fill the void. Burton gets tossed into the deep end against a Patriots defense. This injury-riddled Cincinnati squad just lost a playmaker they can’t afford to miss.
What’s Next For Chase and Cincinnati?
- Chase returns for Week 13 against Pittsburgh in a revenge matchup
- Bengals must win Sunday without their star to keep playoff hopes alive
- Jalen Ramsey was fined nearly $15,000 for his retaliation punch
- This suspension marks the first time Chase sits out a game since joining the NFL.
- The Bengals will feel the absence in their passing game immediately
Can the Bengals Bounce Back Against the Patriots?
Tough spot for Cincinnati. They’re in a playoff race and just lost their best receiver for a crucial divisional matchup. Chase was the engine running their offense. Without him, they look vulnerable. But the Bengals have some tough competitors who won’t give up. Quarterback Joe Burrow will need to distribute the ball more evenly. Tee Higgins steps into a featured role. The Patriots come in as an opportunity to steal a win despite the missing firepower.
This whole situation stems from a moment of poor judgment. An unsportsmanlike act cost Chase half a million dollars and his team their star player when they need him most. Jordy Nelson made his call. The suspension stands. Sunday rolls on without one of football’s brightest talents on the field. That’s the cost of spitting in the NFL in 2025.
Sources
- ESPN – Official suspension and appeal ruling coverage
- NBC Sports – Hearing officer decision and disciplinary analysis
- NFL.com – Official league statistics and sportsmanship enforcement
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.