NFL Suspends Ja’Marr Chase Two Games After League Releases Video Showing Spit on Jalen Ramsey
The NFL moved at unprecedented speed late Sunday night, announcing a two game suspension for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase after league investigators confirmed video evidence of Chase spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey during their Week 11 matchup.
The punishment is doubled. One game for the act of spitting. Another game for what the league labeled a “deliberate and intentional false denial” during his postgame press conference.
Hours earlier, Chase forcefully rejected accusations that he spat on Ramsey. He told reporters he never “opened his mouth” and insisted it was only routine trash talk that caused Ramsey to snap and throw a punch.
That version collapsed instantly once the league released enhanced sideline footage. The slow motion angle clearly showed saliva leaving Chase’s facemask and hitting Ramsey moments before the altercation escalated.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a rare late night statement. “The officials on the field ejected the wrong player and we are correcting that mistake tonight. Fortunately the error did not affect the final outcome of the game. But respect between players is a non negotiable standard and spitting is one of the most egregious violations of that standard.”
The decision came less than four hours after the game ended, marking one of the fastest discipline turnarounds in recent league history. Ramsey had been ejected for retaliatory contact but is now cleared of further discipline.
The footage also contradicts Chase’s public denial. Goodell emphasized that lying in the league’s formal postgame process is a punishable offense. That is why the suspension was doubled.
Before his ejection, Ramsey recorded four tackles and one pass breakup in Pittsburgh’s 34-12 win. Chase finished with six catches for 74 yards but will now miss two pivotal games in the Bengals’ AFC playoff push.
Cincinnati has not yet issued a public statement but is expected to appeal the ruling Monday morning. The NFL made clear that the suspension will stand unless “compelling and extraordinary evidence” emerges, which sources privately say is highly unlikely.
The league’s message is unmistakable. The wrong player was punished during the game. The correct player is being punished tonight. And this time, there is no room for debate.
Alex Cora Expresses Regret Over Difficult Decision That Could Lead to Losing 21-Year-Old Speedster
Boston, MA – In what he called one of the toughest decisions of his managerial career, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora expressed regret over a move that may result in the team losing their promising 21-year-old speedster. The decision, which was part of a broader roster reshuffle, has left Cora reflecting on the potential long-term impact on both the team and the young player.
“It’s one of the hardest calls I’ve had to make,” Cora admitted during a recent press conference. “This player has incredible potential, and losing him could be a big blow to our depth and our future. We’ve seen his growth, his speed, and what he brings to the table, but sometimes the tough decisions are the ones you have to make for the bigger picture.”
The 21-year-old, who has been a standout in the minor leagues, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his speed and base-running ability. However, due to various team needs and a crowded roster, the Red Sox were forced to consider a tough option — and that could mean parting ways with the young talent.
Cora’s regret stems not from a lack of faith in the player’s abilities but from the difficulty of balancing the immediate needs of the team with long-term development. “It’s a situation where you have to weigh what’s best for the team right now and what’s best for his development as well,” Cora explained. “We’ve worked hard to build this organization, and sometimes those decisions are not easy, but they are necessary.”
The Red Sox are hopeful that the player, regardless of where his career takes him, will continue to develop into a key contributor in the majors. Cora added, “We’re still rooting for him, and we hope he goes on to have a great career, whether that’s here with the Red Sox or elsewhere.”
While Cora expressed his sadness over the decision, he made it clear that the Red Sox will continue to look ahead, always striving to improve both the current roster and future prospects. The team’s long-term vision remains a guiding factor in every decision, no matter how difficult.
