NFL Drops Final Punishment for Steelers’ Jalen Ramsey After Chase Incident
A heated AFC North clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals spiraled into chaos on Sunday when a sideline confrontation ended with a punch and an alleged spit.
The flashpoint came when Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey delivered a closed-fist strike to the helmet of Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Officials immediately ejected Ramsey from the game for the punch.
What wasn’t publicly known until after the final whistle was that the incident had been sparked by Chase spitting in Ramsey’s face—an act captured on video.
Chase initially denied the accusation, but the league reviewed the footage and handed the third-year wideout a one-game suspension on Friday.
The NFL didn’t stop there. On Saturday, the league confirmed that Ramsey was fined $14,491 for throwing the punch during the altercation.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the situation and shared his opinion, telling reporters he had “no message if someone spits in your face” before adding that he felt a player or coach in that situation should “do what comes natural.”
For Ramsey, what came naturally was grabbing Chase’s facemask and landing a quick blow to the side of his helmet—a reaction that will now cost him financially.
As a result of the suspension, Chase will sit out Cincinnati’s upcoming game against the New England Patriots this weekend, while Ramsey’s punishment ends with the monetary fine and the earlier ejection.
The ugly exchange served as another chapter in one of the NFL’s fiercest divisional rivalries, leaving both teams short-handed in different ways as the season rolls on.
Up next for the Pittsburgh Steelers is a Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears on the road.
Legendary Coach Tony Dungy Unexpectedly Defends the Colts’ Play After “Toxic” Criticism From the Chiefs Ahead of the Week 12 Showdown
Indianapolis, Indiana. Ahead of the highly anticipated Week 12 matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and the Kansas City Chiefs, legendary head coach Tony Dungy has stepped forward to defend the Colts’ signature short-yardage power formation after Chiefs head coach Andy Reid publicly criticized the play, calling it “toxic.”
The formation has become a defining weapon for the Colts throughout the 2025 season, especially in situations where they need one or two crucial yards. Its effectiveness has helped Indianapolis sustain drives and dictate the pace of games. However, that same dominance has drawn frustration from opposing teams. with Andy Reid being the loudest voice of protest.
During his pre-game press conference, Reid delivered a surprisingly sharp message.
“That’s not the kind of football we’re trying to protect. If a play makes the game distorted and impossible to defend fairly, it needs to be reconsidered. I don’t think it’s healthy for the NFL, and I’m not apologizing for that opinion.”
His comments immediately ignited debate across the league. prompting Tony Dungy to respond swiftly in defense of his former team.
Dungy firmly emphasized that the Colts are doing nothing wrong. He argued that innovation has always been part of the sport and that the responsibility lies on the defense — not the offense — to adapt.
Dungy stated. “Football has always rewarded teams that understand their strengths and build around them. The Colts have done that very well. It’s part of the game, and if a team can’t stop it, then it’s their responsibility to adjust. There’s nothing wrong with developing a successful and unique strategy.”
He warned that banning a play simply because other teams struggle to defend it could damage the natural evolution of the sport. For Dungy, the Colts’ execution is rooted in discipline, power, and precision — not unfair advantage.
The Colts’ short-yardage formation has become a major talking point this season. not only because of how effective it is. but because of how frequently it forces opposing defenses into uncomfortable situations. Yet according to Dungy, that pressure is the defense’s problem to solve.
This weekend’s Colts vs Chiefs matchup is shaping up to be one of the most intense games of Week 12. The Chiefs will undoubtedly look for ways to counter the formation, while the Colts show no intention of abandoning a strategy that continues to deliver results.
Whether the debate fades or escalates after Sunday, Tony Dungy’s message remains crystal clear. The Colts have every right to use what they do best, and it is up to their opponents — including the Chiefs — to figure out how to stop them.
