The NFL has handed Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase a two-game suspension, concluding that he intentionally spit on Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey during Sunday’s heated AFC North clash. The league announced its decision late Monday night, stating that after reviewing multiple camera angles and slow-motion footage, the evidence was “sufficient and conclusive” to warrant disciplinary action.

The incident occurred early in the second half, moments after a contested play along the sideline. Chase and Ramsey exchanged words—part of a long-running personal rivalry dating back to Ramsey’s time with the Rams—before Chase appeared to lean forward and make a spitting motion. Ramsey immediately reacted, pointing at Chase and shouting toward officials, but no flag was thrown during the game.

After the matchup, Chase denied the accusation outright, calling the claims “ridiculous” and “100 percent false.” He insisted the video circulating online was misleading and taken out of context.

“Man, come on,” Chase told reporters in the locker room. “I didn’t spit on anybody. I talk trash, he talks trash—it’s football. But spit? I don’t play like that. People see what they want to see on social media.”

But the league wasn’t convinced.

A statement from the NFL’s disciplinary office said:
“After a thorough review of available video evidence, including broadcast footage and alternate angles, it was determined that Ja’Marr Chase engaged in conduct detrimental to the integrity of the game.”

The decision triggered immediate reactions across the sports world—but none louder or more direct than those of former Bengals quarterback and current CBS analyst Boomer Esiason, who harshly condemned Chase’s behavior during Monday’s edition of The Boomer & Gio Show.

Esiason, who has long praised Chase as one of the most talented receivers in football, said the incident left him “honestly disappointed.”

“It’s embarrassing. It’s childish. It’s a bad look for him, for the Bengals, and for the sport,” Esiason said.
“I love Ja’Marr as a player—he’s elite. But this crosses a line. Rivalries get heated, but there are certain things you don’t do. Spitting on another player is one of them.”

Esiason argued that the real damage goes beyond personal conflict—it affects the entire Bengals roster.

“Your team is fighting for playoff position. You’re the No. 1 weapon for your quarterback. And now you’re out two games because of ego? Because of trash-talk with Ramsey?” he added.
“That’s not leadership. That’s not professionalism. That’s hurting your team.”

The Bengals, who have been battling inconsistency all season, now face the possibility of going into two pivotal matchups without their top offensive playmaker. Chase has accounted for a significant share of the team’s receiving yards and explosive plays, making his absence a major setback at a critical point in the schedule.

The team has not released a full statement but is expected to appeal the suspension, according to league insiders. However, the NFL is known for taking a firm stance on on-field misconduct—particularly incidents that involve disrespectful or unsportsmanlike acts. Several analysts say the league is unlikely to overturn or reduce the suspension given that the video has already been widely circulated and discussed publicly.

Meanwhile, the Steelers have remained quiet. Ramsey himself has not commented publicly but was visibly furious on the sideline immediately after the altercation. Multiple teammates were seen holding him back as he tried to approach officials to demand a penalty.

One Pittsburgh defender, speaking anonymously, told reporters:
“Everyone saw what happened. He disrespected Jalen. If the league is stepping in, they’re doing the right thing.”

The incident has ignited debate across sports shows, social media platforms, and fan forums. Some Bengals supporters argue the footage is inconclusive, while others say Chase’s reputation—normally clean and competitive—should be taken into account. But critics point to Chase’s confrontational style and high-intensity rivalry with Ramsey, arguing that emotions may have finally spilled over.

NFL disciplinary experts have also weighed in, noting that the league has been increasingly strict about player-to-player disrespect—especially in high-visibility games.

“Spitting is viewed as one of the most unsportsmanlike acts possible,” said former NFL discipline advisor Matt Thomas. “The league wants to send a message, particularly in rivalry games that attract big national audiences.”

Esiason, who spent a decade in Cincinnati and still maintains close ties to the organization, ended his on-air comments with a direct message aimed at Chase.

“You’re one of the most gifted players in the NFL. Act like it. You’re better than this. Your team needs you on the field, not suspended.”

As the Bengals prepare for the upcoming games, the focus now shifts to whether the team can weather Chase’s absence—and whether the star receiver will address the incident more fully moving forward.

For now, one thing is clear:
The NFL has made its judgment, and the fallout has only just begun.