Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase Absolutely Blames Steelers' Jalen Ramsey For Making Him Spit

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey has a tendency to find ways to get under the skin of the superstar wide receivers he is matched up against. In Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Ramsey did just that to their star receiver Ja’Marr Chase. The matchup quickly escalated when Ramsey threw a punch at Chase, resulting in his ejection from the contest. It was later revealed that Chase had spit on Ramsey, which prompted the retaliation that got him kicked out of the game.

After the game, Chase tried to deflect blame, creating a fabricated story about why he did not spit on Ramsey. Video evidence, however, clearly contradicted his version of events, proving that Ramsey’s reaction was in response to Chase’s provocation. The NFL ultimately suspended Chase for one game, acknowledging the severity of his actions. The incident sparked widespread discussion about player conduct and the intensity of matchups between elite talent.

Chase addressed the situation in a media appearance via the Bengals’ YouTube channel, where he seemed to shift responsibility back onto Ramsey. He claimed Ramsey had crossed a line, implying that his own actions were a response to being provoked. Many observers, however, saw the incident as further proof of Ramsey’s ability to rattle top receivers and assert dominance in high-stakes matchups. 

"All I can say is it's limits when stuff happens," Chase said via Cincinnati Bengals Talk's YouTube channel. "It's limits. It's a lot of limits people can control and they're gonna allow. It's stuff that you're gonna allow and stuff that you're not gonna allow. It's a limit to everything."

Chase suggested that Ramsey’s actions toward him led him to spit on Ramsey. The issue is that, regardless of what happened on the field, spitting on another person is unacceptable behavior. In both football and everyday life, such an action is considered highly inappropriate. 

Chase’s continued discussion of the incident without offering a clear apology drew attention and raised questions about the appropriateness of his comments.

"We ain't have no conversations," Chase said. "Nothing like that. I ain't got no way to get in contact with him... Messing with my name. It's social media. Everything got an opinion, everybody going to say something. But it is what it is at the end of the day. I don't really care."

Chase made several additional comments, but none drew as much attention as his claim that he cannot get in touch with Ramsey. He issued a public apology, but he did not mention Ramsey by name. Whatever Ramsey did clearly upset him, as Chase continued to place some of the blame on him.

Steelers Lost Their Grip On The AFC North

The Bengals do not appear to be much of a concern in the AFC North race, even with Joe Burrow returning. However, the Baltimore Ravens have now overtaken the Steelers for first place in the division. Pittsburgh has seen its playoff positioning start to slip, falling to 6-5 in the 2025 season. 

The Steelers will have a chance to bounce back Sunday at home against the Super Bowl-contending Buffalo Bills. An upset victory could salvage the season, while a loss would only continue to amplify the drama in Steel City. All eyes now turn to Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin as many Steelers fans are hopeful to see Pittsburgh get back on the winning track in Week 13.

Steeler Nation, what do you expect the outcome of the Week 13 matchup at Acrisure Stadium between the Buffalo Bills and the Steelers to be, and why? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

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