Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is set to serve a one-game suspension for an incident captured on video during Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Chase was caught spitting on Steelers safety Jalen Rams ey and was subsequently suspended for his actions. The precedent was set in Week 1 of this season, when Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter spat on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
The incident occurred before the first play of the game, and Carter was ejected, with the NFL deeming it his one-game suspension. But has that always been the case?
Mike Florio says Ja'Marr Chase has a case for his appeal
According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, the one-game suspension for spitting is not the precedent, and he may have a chance to get his suspension reduced to a fine.
"He could make the argument that the NFL's long-standing precedent is not to suspend a player for spitting but to fine him. And for years, that's what the punishment was. It changed with Jalen Carter back in Week 1 when the Eagles' defensive tackle spit on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott," Florio said.
"But, you could make the argument he wasn't really suspended. There's never been a suspension, a true suspension, for spitting. The punishment has always been a fine."
Legendary Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson is the hearing officer for Chase's appeal, and it remains to be seen if Nelson will be as understanding as Florio is in his assessment of the situation.
More Bengals news:
- Zac Taylor provides injury update on Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco
- NFL insider reveals potential return date for Bengals' Joe Burrow
- Bengals' Trey Hendrickson's game status revealed ahead of Steelers matchup
- Bengals franchise legend urges team to make decision on Trey Hendrickson
- Zac Taylor reveals who will call plays for Bengals offense going forward