Bengals' Chase apologizes for spitting on Steelers' Ramsey

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase apologized to his team, fans, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the NFL for spitting on defensive back Jalen Ramsey, which led to a one-game suspension.

"What I did was wrong," Chase posted on Instagram. "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."

Chase also pledged that a similar incident won't happen in the future. He closed his statement with a promise to "keep learning from this and to set a higher standard for myself moving forward."

The wideout didn't mention Ramsey by name in his apology.

Ramsey was ejected from the Week 11 contest for swinging at Chase following a confrontation. He said postgame that the Bengals star spit on him, which Chase denied. Video evidence later showed that Chase did, in fact, spit on Ramsey beforehand.

The four-time Pro Bowler was forced to miss Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots after his suspension was upheld following an appeal. The defeat dropped the Cincinnati to 3-8.

Chase, who has 79 catches for 861 receiving yards this season, will return for Thursday's meeting with the Baltimore Ravens. He's expected to be joined by quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been sidelined the past nine games due to a toe injury.