Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase has issued a public apology for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers FS Jalen Ramsey during Week 11’s game last Sunday. The NFL suspended Chase for one game for his actions and, in turn, forfeited his roughly $500,000 game check.

Chase took to Instagram to post a screenshot of his typed-out apology. He apologized to the Steelers’ organization, Bengals’ fans, and the NFL for his actions. The beginning of the letter read:

“Please know I am speaking from my heart when I say I take full responsibility for my actions during last Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh. 

“What I did was wrong. The circumstances don’t matter. My passion for the game is no excuse. There’s zero place in our sport – in our life – for that level of disrespect. 

I want to personally apologize to everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. I let my emotions 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.”

He used the rest of the letter to apologize to the Bengals’ organization while outlining the difficult season Cincinnati has endured. Without Chase, the Bengals fell to 3-8 yesterday after a loss to the New England Patriots. Even with Joe Burrow set to return in Week 13, the Bengals’ playoff hopes are virtually nonexistent.

In the apology, Chase did not mention Ramsey by name. He only spoke about Pittsburgh broadly.

Chase spat on Ramsey during the fourth quarter of Week 12’s game after repeated post-play skirmishes with him. Referees flagged both of them for offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on the play before. After a Bengals’ timeout, Chase and Ramsey linked back up and jawed back and forth. Chase spat on Ramsey’s jersey, and Ramsey responded with a punch. Ramsey received a penalty and ejection, but Chase was not flagged. The refs claimed they did not see him spit.

Post-game, Chase denied spitting or opening his mouth towards Ramsey. The video proved that Chase lied, clearly showing that Chase spat. The NFL suspended him the next day. Former NFL player and arbitrator Jordy Nelson rejected Chase’s appeal. He will return to play in Thursday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Ramsey was fined nearly $15,000 for throwing his punch. He has the right to appeal, but it’s unknown if he did and if he will win it. Ramsey speaks to the media each Friday. We’ll see if he’s asked to respond to or accept Chase’s apology.

The Steelers and Bengals won’t see each other until 2026.