Jalen Ramsey has received a fine exceeding $14,000 from the NFL for unsportsmanlike conduct following an incident with Ja’Marr Chase during the Steelers-Bengals game. According to multiple NFL insiders, the league penalized the 31-year-old cornerback with a $14,491 fine for the altercation that took place during week 11.
The incident unfolded on November 16, when Ramsey was ejected from the game after hitting Chase twice and pulling on his facemask. The situation escalated after Chase was seen spitting on Ramsey, a prelude to the cornerback’s retaliatory actions. This act of disrespect changed the perception of the incident, with many supporters arguing that Ramsey’s response was warranted.
Even Steelers coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “I have no message if someone spits in your face. Do what comes natural,” which reflects the intense emotions surrounding such confrontations on the field.
While Ramsey may appeal the fine, which is a small percentage of his four-year, $84.7 million contract, it’s Chase who may have come out worse from the altercation. He has denied the spitting incident, despite the video evidence suggesting otherwise. The episode has not only drawn the attention of fans but has also sparked dialogues on the standards of behavior expected in the league, further emphasizing the sometimes intense and heated nature of professional football.