Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 34-12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals quickly went downhill in the fourth quarter of the game. A verbal altercation quickly escalated between Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey.

“I have no message when someone spits in your face. Do what comes natural,” Mike Tomlin said, according to Alex Kozora.

Tomlin’s response states that he didn’t have any issue with the way his player responded. Before players from both teams separated them, Ramsey struck Chase’s helmet and grabbed his facemask, turning an argument into a physical altercation. The officials initially ejected Jalen Ramsey, as the punch looked like an overreaction to trash-talking.

“He spat on me. I don’t give a f— about football after that, respectfully,” Ramsey said. “I’m always going to be all for trash talking, s— talking, things like that. I actually enjoy that part of the game. I think that people know that.”

After the game, Ramsey told reporters that the fight occurred because Chase spat on him. Although Chase denied the allegation, video of the event seemed to prove that he did, in fact, spit at Ramsey. The act is uncommon and inexcusable in the league of football, and Chase is trying to prove his innocence despite video evidence.

No decision has been made whether or not Ramsey will be suspended. If there is potential for him to receive a one-game suspension for punching Chase, the fact that Chase spat on him might make a difference.

Ja’Marr Chase’s suspension by the league

The NFL announced a one-game suspension for Ja’Marr Chase because of his unsportsmanlike conduct. Officials didn’t eject Chase during the game; video evidence convinced the league to act under Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which bars acts contrary to sportsmanship.

“During the fourth quarter, Chase spat on Pittsburgh cornerback Jalen Ramsey, violating Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to ‘any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship,'” the league said in a statement announcing Chase’s suspension.

Chase faces a financial penalty of more than $500,000 unless the appeal succeeds, and he denied that he spat at Ramsey.  Coach Zac Taylor defended Chase’s character but admitted the incident “crossed the line.”

“Obviously, what happened is crossing the line. We can’t have that, and I know he’ll own up to that,” Taylor said.

Ja’Marr Chase has been a force for the Bengals this season. Through 10 games, he has hauled in 79 receptions for 861 yards, averaging 10.9 yards per reception, and scored five touchdowns. But against the Steelers’ pressure caught up to him, Chase posted just 3 receptions of 10 targets for 30 yards.

“I ain’t never opened my mouth to that guy,” Chase told reporters. “He [didn’t] like some of the swear words I told him. We’d been going back and forth the whole time, so I’m sure something got under his skin.”

The suspension interrupts the momentum of the wide receiver, most critically impacting the Bengals’ offense ahead of their matchup against the New England Patriots, 9-2, leading the AFC East.