Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey feels he had a good reason for his altercation with Cincinnati Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, despite it leading to his ejection from Sunday’s game.
“He spit on me,” Ramsey told reporters of what caused him to swing at Chase. “So, it’s up. I don’t give a f–k about football after that, respectfully.”
Chase denied spitting on Ramsey.
However, an alternative angle posted by Austin Briski of Fox 19 may raise some eyebrows:
The NFL will review the altercation, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Ramsey’s ejection came moments after two had gotten into an altercation that resulted in offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties:
During a timeout before the next play, the two of them re-engaged with one another, and Ramsey grabbed Chase’s facemask with his left hand and swung at his helmet with his right before officials separated them.
Ramsey had four tackles and a pass deflection before being ejected from Sunday’s game, which the Steelers won 34-12. Chase, who set a Bengals franchise record with 16 receptions in their first meeting against Pittsburgh in Week 7, was held to three catches for 30 yards and failed to score a touchdown for the third straight game.
The Steelers managed to earn the victory despite losing star quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a wrist injury. Despite being listed as questionable to return, he didn’t play in the second half. Veteran backup Mason Rudolph made up for his absence by completing 12 of his 16 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown to spearhead the win.
Ramsey added that he hopes the NFL reviews the matter and sees what he felt Chase did that crossed the line. It’s likely that both players could be subjected to at least fines during the upcoming week.
