Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase served a one-game suspension after an incident with Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey led to Chase spitting on the defender.
Initially, Ramsey was seen throwing a punch at Chase, leading to him being ejected from the game. Ramsey indicated he threw the punch after he was spit on, which the Bengals receiver denied.
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Despite Chase denying the bold claim from Ramsey, the video of the incident showcased that he was not telling the truth. The league reviewed the video and issued the suspension to the Bengals’ pass catcher. Chase missed Week 12, which saw Cincinnati lose 26-20 to the New England Patriots.
Chase is now reinstated and can play in Week 13, when the Bengals take on the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving.
Ahead of the divisional matchup and the return of Joe Burrow, Chase has issued a heartfelt apology.
Chase took to Instagram to send the apology, which reads:
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“To my team, fans, and the Bengals organization, the Steelers organization, and the NFL community:
“Please know that I am speaking from the heart when I say I take full responsibility for my actions during last Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh.
“What I did was wrong. The circumstances don’t matter. My passion for the game is no excuse. There’s zero space in our sport — or in life — for that level of disrespect.
“I want to personally apologize to everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. I let my emotions in the moment get the better of me. I can only hope and trust you know that none of it represents who I am — not as a competitor, teammate, or person.
“I also want to apologize to my coaches, teammates, and organization for not meeting my own standards as a leader of this team.
“This has been a tough season with some incredibly hard losses. We’ve all been frustrated. But instead of stepping up with calm, class, and leadership, I let you down. My having to sit out of yesterday’s game makes my actions even more inexcusable. I won’t let it happen again.
“Finally, I want to apologize to my fans.
“I do not take anyone who wears my jersey for granted. I do not take my position as a role model lightly. As someone who strives to lead with character and authenticity, I should have taken immediate accountability for what happened.
“I am committed to earning back your respect — not just with words, but with my actions, day after day, on and off the field.
“I promise to keep learning from this and set a higher standard for myself moving forward.
“With respect,
“Ja’Marr Chase.”
This is a classy move from Chase, as he has held himself accountable for a situation that got out of hand, and also admitted fault in lying about what transpired. His being on the field could have made a difference in the Patriots game, but that is in the past.
With Burrow returning, Chase can now link back up with his quarterback for the first time since Week 1. The team has a tall task ahead of it if they are to go on a winning streak, and it starts with the attempt to take down their divisional rivals.
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