During the NFL game on Sunday between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers, Steelers player Jalen Ramsey was ejected from the game for punching Bengals player JaMarr Chase.
Video later showed that Ramsey’s punch was in response to Chase spitting on Ramsey.
When he was asked if the officials saw any spitting, referee Bill Vinovich said, “we did not see anything that rose to that level at all.”
As a result of the spitting, the NFL has suspended Chase for one game without pay – around $450,000. He is scheduled to miss the home game against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Chase has the right to appeal the decision.
The NFL cited the rule, “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”
Saying that he spoke to Chase, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said, “it’s like we are trying to make something out of this situation. It’s the only thing that’s kind of upset me as I’m sitting in here. For a guy that has done everything we can to build our organization around, he’s been awesome. Not perfect. I’m not perfect. Trust me, I made plenty of mistakes yesterday (that) people don’t see on camera. Unfortunately his was. He’s going to have to own up for that. That will be part of his journey.”
Chase has denied that he spat at Ramsey.
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 34-12 and now have a record of 3 and 7.