The Cincinnati Bengals faced a challenging defeat against the Los Angeles Rams, losing 34-12 in a game marked by significant player altercations. The play that won the news cycle was the one between Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Chase’s excessive actions during an altercation early in the game have resulted in his suspension. His decision will cost him $448,333 in salary.
The dispute started after an aggressive tackle by Ramsey on Chase turned into ether Ramsey pulling Chase’s facemask. In turn, Ramsey responded by punching Ramsey in retaliation, which led to Chase being kicked out from the game. Witnesses at the spitting event never noticed anything. Several months later, video of the incident from a Cincinnati television station aired that showed Chase curtly spitting in Ramsey’s direction. These were accusations Chase flatly denied after the game.
Chase was recently suspended after a prior on-the-field confrontation with an opposing player. This is the second such disciplinary action this season for a player spitting in the league. The league has determined that the ejection is enough time served for Ramsey. As a result, he lost his Week 1 game check, which amounted to $57,222.
The fight erupted just five minutes into the game, deepening the Bengals’ defensive woes. Unfortunately for them, they now have dropped three in a row and are just 3-7 on the year. In view of these unfortunate circumstances, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor made his feelings known immediately after the game on national television.
“It’s like we are trying to make something out of this situation. It’s the only thing that’s kind of upset me as I’m sitting in here,” – Zac Taylor
Taylor didn’t shy away from the unique challenges his team is up against but took the opportunity to praise Chase’s impact on the organization. He added that Chase is by no means perfect but he has been a critical element in helping Chase chart a new course.
“For a guy that has done everything we can to build our organization around, he’s been awesome. Not perfect. I’m not perfect. Trust me, I made plenty of mistakes yesterday [that] people don’t see on camera. Unfortunately his was. He’s going to have to own up for that. That will be part of his journey.” – Zac Taylor
The Bengals are wallowing in defeat and fighting within the organization. More than anything else, they have to scrap tooth-and-nail to earn a second try at life between the lines. Chase’s suspension adds yet more layers to an already chaotic season. Now, fans and analysts are rightfully scratching their heads at the team’s lack of direction and discipline.