Ja’Marr Chase Suspension Upheld: Star Receiver to Miss Patriots Game

Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase will sit out a crucial game. The NFL upheld his one-game suspension on Tuesday. He will miss the Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots.

The suspension stems from a spitting incident in Week 11. Chase spat in the direction of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey. This violation of league sportsmanship rules triggered the discipline.

The Costly On-Field Altercation

The confrontation happened during a heated fourth quarter. Chase and Ramsey exchanged words after a play. The situation quickly escalated on the field.

Chase then spat toward Ramsey. In response, Ramsey threw a punch at the Bengals receiver. Officials ejected Ramsey from the game immediately for his actions.

The league reviewed the incident promptly. According to ESPN, the NFL decided a one-game suspension was appropriate. They cited a clear violation of player conduct policies.

Appeal Denied by Former Player

Ja’Marr Chase appealed the league’s decision. He hoped to have the punishment reduced or overturned. His case went to a neutral hearing officer.

That officer was former Green Bay Packers receiver Jordy Nelson. Nelson is jointly appointed by the NFL and the players’ union. He reviewed all evidence from the incident.

On Tuesday, Nelson upheld the original suspension. He found no compelling reason to change the penalty. This final ruling means Chase cannot play this Sunday.

Financial and Competitive Impact

The suspension hits Chase’s wallet hard. He will forfeit his weekly salary for the missed game. Reports from NBC Sports detail the total cost.

Chase loses his $448,333 game check. He also forfeits a $58,823 active roster bonus. The total financial penalty exceeds $507,000.

On the field, the Bengals lose their top offensive weapon. Chase leads the NFL in receptions and targets this season. His absence creates a major challenge for Cincinnati’s playoff hopes.

The upheld Ja’Marr Chase suspension delivers a significant blow to the Bengals’ season and serves as a stark reminder of the NFL’s conduct standards. The team must now find a way to win without their most dynamic playmaker. This incident will likely influence player behavior for the rest of the year.

Info at your fingertips

What did Ja’Marr Chase do to get suspended?

He spat in the direction of Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey during a Week 11 game. The NFL deemed this action a violation of its sportsmanship rules, resulting in the one-game suspension.

Who decided the appeal for Ja’Marr Chase?

The appeal was heard by former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson. He serves as a neutral hearing officer appointed by both the NFL and the NFL Players Association.

How much money does Chase lose from this suspension?

He forfeits over $507,000. This includes his weekly salary of $448,333 and a $58,823 game bonus for being on the active roster, according to salary data.

Who will replace Chase in the Bengals’ lineup?

Second-year receiver Jermaine Burton is expected to see increased targets and playing time. The Bengals will also rely more on veteran Tee Higgins to fill the production void.

Was Jalen Ramsey punished for his role in the incident?

Yes. Ramsey was ejected from the game immediately after throwing a punch. He also received a fine from the league, reported to be nearly $15,000, for his retaliatory actions.

When is Ja’Marr Chase eligible to return?

He is eligible to return for the Bengals’ Week 13 game. That matchup happens to be a rematch against the Pittsburgh Steelers, setting the stage for a highly anticipated reunion.

Trusted Sources

Information for this report was gathered from official NFL communications and coverage by ESPN and NBC Sports. Player statistics were verified via NFL.com.