TL;DR
- Ja'Marr Chase apologized for spitting on Jalen Ramsey during a game.
- Chase was suspended one game, costing him over $500,000 in pay.
- He expressed remorse to the Bengals, Steelers, fans, and the NFL community.
- Chase vowed to learn from the incident and set a higher standard.
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.
My actions were incorrect. The surrounding conditions are irrelevant. My strong desire for the sport doesn't justify it. Such profound disrespect has no place in our game, nor in life.
I'd like to offer a personal apology to everyone associated with The Pittsburgh Steelers. My emotions got the best of me at that moment. I sincerely hope and trust you understand that none of that reflects my true character, whether as a competitor, teammate, or individual.
I'd also like to offer an apology to my coaches, teammates, and the organization for not living up to my own expectations as a team leader.
It's been a challenging season marked by some very difficult defeats. We've all felt the frustration. However, rather than responding with composure, dignity, and guidance, I failed you. My absence from yesterday's game renders my behavior even less justifiable. I assure you, this won't be repeated.
"Finally, I want to apologize to my fans.
I don't underestimate anyone who wears my jersey. I don't treat my role model status casually. As a person who aims to lead with integrity and genuineness, I should have owned up to what occurred right away.
"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."
A noteworthy aspect here is Chase's omission of Ramsey's name, though he'd naturally be grouped with "everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization."
It probably would've been a better idea to name Ramsey directly, though.
However, Chase's stance is appropriate here, as he reinforced his denial of the falsehood, a fact evident to all due to video proof.
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