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.