It sounds like Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase let the emotions of AFC North football get the best of him and has apologized to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Chase missed the Bengals’ Week 12 game against the New England Patriots because he was serving a one-game suspension for spitting at Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Outside of appealing the suspension, Chase has largely stayed quiet about the incident until Nov. 24 when he issued a formal apology.
While much of his apology was directed at Bengals fans — Cincinnati could have used him against New England — he also apologized to the Steelers organization.
“I want to personally apologize to everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization,” Chase said in his apology that he posted to social media. “I let my emotions in the moment get the better of me. I can only hope and trust you know none of it represents who I am — not as a competitor, teammate or person.”
Ja’Marr Chase Issues Apology to Steelers
The incident came at the end of the Steelers’ blowout win over the Bengals in Week 11. The two players battled all game, leading to the heated confrontation. Chase spit at Ramsey, who responded by throwing a punch at the former LSU star.
Officials ejected Ramsey for his actions, while Chase got away with it, temporarily. At some point, Chase apparently felt the need to change his tune, too. After the game, he insisted to reporters he didn’t spit on Ramsey.
“I ain’t ever opened my mouth to that guy,” Chase told the media after the game. “I didn’t spit on nobody.”
The video said otherwise.
How Steelers Reacted to Ja’Marr Chase Spitting
As for Ramsey’s response, the NFL fined the veteran defensive back. There certainly wasn’t any issue from his coach, though, as Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made it clear where he stood on the issue.
“I have no message if someone spits in your face. Do what comes natural,” Tomlin told reporters during the week.
Interestingly, Chase didn’t mention Ramsey by name in his apology.
Chase, who in part blamed his actions on frustration for how the season turned out, offered a broader message at the end of his statement.
“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 my actions, day after day, on and off the field.”
Chase will be back in the lineup in Week 13 when the Bengals play the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night.
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