Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has publicly atoned for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Rams ey.
Chase committed the inexcusable act in the Week 11 game against the Steelers and paid the price, as he was suspended one game that cost him over $500,000 in lost gameday pay.
Upon being reinstated from suspension on Monday, Chase apologized to Ramsey, the Steelers and Bengals fans.
"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," he said.
"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."
One thing that's notable here is that Chase did not mention Ramsey directly, but we would obviously lump him in with "everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization."
It probably would've been a better idea to name Ramsey directly, though.
Nevertheless, this is the right approach from Chase, who had doubled-down on the lie he didn't spit, which was clear to everyone thanks to video evidence.
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