In Week 12, the Cincinnati Bengals played the New England Patriots and lost 26-20.
The main storyline from the game was that the team was without superstar wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who was suspended for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Chase posted a public apology, which fans have criticized.
Ja’Marr Chase Criticized for His Public Apology
In an apology letter posted on Instagram, Chase admitted his actions were wrong, saying the circumstances did not matter and that his passion for the game was no excuse. He emphasized that there is no place in the sport — or in life — for such disrespect.
“I want to personally apologize to everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization,” Chase said. “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. … Finally, I want to apologize to my fans.”
View this post on Instagram
Fans noted that the apology letter did not mention Ramsey by name, a detail highlighted by Steelers reporter Brian Batko. The post’s comments section quickly filled with criticism of Chase, with many deeming the apology inadequate.
“Apologizing to everybody except the guy he spit on,” one Steelers fan said.
Apologizing to everybody except the guy he spit on
— ❌cGriddle (@McGriddle1030) November 24, 2025
Another fan followed the same sentiment and says, “How can he not mention Ramsey though?”
How can he not mention Ramsey though? pic.twitter.com/ItIWA9HCr6
— d rail86 (@vexer4000) November 24, 2025
Despite apologizing to Steelers fans, another fan called out the lack of an apology to Ramsey, saying: “Apologize to the man not the fans.”
Another fan called out Chase not for the apology itself, but for what they believed was an AI-generated message: “This is definitely AI generated.”
This is definitely AI generated
— 𝗧𝗖 (@TatumCeltics) November 24, 2025
Another group of fans laughed at Chase for issuing an apology after previously claiming he hadn’t spat on Ramsey, despite the video evidence.
One fan said, “i thought he didn’t spit on him though??,” calling out the irony of apologizing after insisting he didn’t spit.
Another fan followed up by saying, “Bro only sorry he got caught lol didn’t he try to appeal saying he didn’t do it? Lololol.”
Bro only sorry he got caught lol didn’t he try to appeal saying he didn’t do it ? Lololol
— justin (@jstraube0516) November 24, 2025
Because of the inadequate apology, one fan said, “Suspend him longer.”
Suspend him longer
— FarmHouse Sports (@FarmHouseSports) November 24, 2025
Following the suspension, Chase will rejoin the team this week for its game against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football on Thanksgiving Day.
