A jointly appointed NFL-NFLPA arbitrator has upheld Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase’s one-game suspension for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers DB Jalen Ramsey during Sunday’s game. Jordy Nelson heard Chase’s case but opted against reducing Chase’s punishment.
Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, has upheld the one-game suspension of Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase.
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) November 19, 2025
It’s a predictable outcome. Not just for the low success rate of appeals but the merits of the case. Video showed Chase clearly spitting on Ramsey’s jersey, prompting Ramsey to punch Chase.