Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase apologized on Monday for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey, an action that resulted in a one-game suspension last week.
Upon returning from his one-game suspension on Monday, Chase took to social media to express regret and apologize to his team, his fans, the Steelers and the NFL.
"To my team, fans, the Bengals organization, the Steelers organization, and the NFL community: 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," Chase wrote in a message posted to Instagram.
"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 -- or in life -- for that level of disrespect. I want to personally apologize to everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. 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.
"I also want to apologize to my coaches, teammates, and organization for not meeting my own standards as a leader of this team. This has been a tough season with some incredibly hard losses. We've all been frustrated. But instead of stepping up with calm, class, and leadership, I let you down. My having to sit out yesterday's game makes my actions even more inexcusable. I won't let it happen again.
"Finally, I want to apologize to my fans. I do not take anyone who wears my jersey for granted. I do not take my position as a role model lightly. 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 with my actions, day after day, on and off the field. I promise to keep learning from this and to set a higher standard for myself moving forward."
The NFL suspended Chase on Nov. 17 for unsportsmanlike conduct following review of footage that clearly showed him spitting on Ramsey, inciting a fracas that led to Ramsey's ejection from of Pittsburgh's Week 11 win over Cincinnati.
Chase appealed his suspension but it was denied, and he missed the Bengals' Week 12 game, a 26-20 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Chase is an essential contributor for the 3-8 Bengals, who expect to get franchise quarterback Joe Burrow back this week from a toe injury that has sidelined him since Week 2, ideally in time for Cincinnati's Thanksgiving night game against the Baltimore Ravens.
