The NFL accepted Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey’s reasoning for punching Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase in Week 11, but they did not let him get away with it completely.
The NFL fined Ramsey $14,491 for unsportsmanlike conduct, specifically by striking Chase during the fourth quarter of last week’s game. Ramsey was also ejected from the game for his actions.
The NFL fined Steelers DB Jalen Ramsey $14,491 for unsportsmanlike conduct — his role in an altercation with Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 22, 2025
Officials ejected Ramsey, but did not penalize Chase, who lost over $500,000 for his one-game suspension.
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Understandably, officials did not see that Ramsey was retaliating after Chase spit on him. That video only emerged after the game, and led to Chase getting suspended one game and losing over $500,000 as a result. In that context, Ramsey’s punishment really is a slap on the wrist.
Ramsey might have hoped that he would get away with just the ejection considering what prompted his actions. From the NFL’s perspective, however, two wrongs don’t make a right.
Ramsey signed a 4-year, $84.7 contract with the Steelers after being traded to Pittsburgh during the offseason. He will easily be able to cover this fine.
