The debate on the Cincinnati Bengals‘ wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s spitting incident is not yet over. Much has been said about how the gesture was disrespectful, with the player taking a hefty punishment. However, Ben Roethlisberger, who looked at the incident from a different perspective, had a strong warning for Jalen Ramsey, who initially got ejected from the game.

He pointed out that the Steelers’ cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who was ejected in the fourth quarter for punching the WR, didn’t make the right move either. And he feels this way because Ramsey is one of the most important players on the Steelers’ roster, and they couldn’t afford to lose him over a mistake like this.

“Ramsay to retaliate, man, you hate to hurt your team, like I’m sure that’s what Tom was saying,” Roethlisberger explained on Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. “…He’s one of the best players on the field, like you can’t afford to lose that guy. Luckily, it wasn’t a close game where you needed Ramsay out there like this was a big-time game against the Ravens against a team that’s like man, we need you, because he’s one of the best players on the field, like you can’t afford to lose that guy.”

Roethlisberger isn’t wrong about the consequences of Ramsey getting ejected early in the game. His four tackles before the ejection highlight exactly what the Steelers lost for the remainder of the crucial fourth quarter.

The former NFL player even mentioned his ex-teammate Maurkice Pouncey while speaking about the incident. Comparing the situation, he added that the Steelers must look out for the player and calm him down by explaining the risks involved in losing him during such crucial games.

He did that for Pouncey. Back in 2019, Pouncey was suspended after he punched defensive end Myles Garrett in a game against the Cleveland Browns.

“I would tell Pouncey the same thing. Like Pouncey, we can’t afford to lose you. You can’t do that. I understand that your pride and you want to go get him. So that’s all I would say is that Ramsay, for his team, like they need him out there.”

While Roethlisberger added that head coach Mike Tomlin was shocked by the incident, in reality, the HC had a different response during the press conference.

Mike Tomlin broke his silence on the Jalen Ramsey incident

Head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t seem to be upset over Ramsey’s gesture.

“I have no message,” Tomlin told reporters. “If someone spits in your face, do what comes natural. He was fortunate have only received basically “a love tap” on the field!”

However, Tomlin called the incident “unfortunate” and stated that the NFL made its decision “so we’re moving on.”

While the Steelers came out with a win, the incident has cost the Bengals and Chase. Chase wasn’t ejected since officials didn’t see him spitting on Ramsey. However, after the CB accused the receiver of starting the altercation by spitting on him, some close-up clips confirmed that the incident did occur. A frustrated Chase had initially denied all allegations.

Given the league’s strict unsportsmanlike conduct policy, a significant punishment was inevitable. As per sources, he has been suspended and will not be available for the Bengals’ next game against the New England Patriots in Week 12.

Chase is reportedly appealing the NFL’s decision. However, if he is suspended, he will lose $448,333 in earnings (as per Mike Florio).

On the other hand, Ramsey isn’t sorry for his act on the field. After the punch incident, the CB said, “He spit on me. I don’t give a f— about football after that, respectfully.”