The Cincinnati Bengals lost an important divisional game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, dropping them to 3-7. Already without starting quarterback Joe Burrow until at least Week 13, Cincinnati may also lose its top wideout, Ja’Marr Chase, for a game.
In the fourth quarter of the Bengals-Steelers contest, Pittsburgh’s Jalen Ramsey was ejected for punching Chase. While passing along a video of the incident, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo says Ramsey’s transgression appears to have been more of a grab of Chase’s facemask than a true punch. Ramsey and Chase had already been flagged for offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, however, so Ramsey presumably would have been ejected regardless.
Ramsey’s teammate, Joey Porter Jr. , told reporters after the game that Chase spit on Ramsey, which triggered the mercurial defensive back’s reaction (video link via ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin). Porter acknowledges he did not see the alleged expectoration, and Chase denied the claim (via Martin).
But in a video passed along by Fox 19 sports photographer Austin Briski, it appears Ramsey was correct and that Chase did, in fact, spit on him. Head referee Bill Vinovich said in the postgame pool report that neither he nor any other members of his crew witnessed that part of the altercation (from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, via Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette).
An NFL spokesman told ESPN’s Adam Schefter the league will be reviewing the incident. And, as Garafolo reminds us, league precedent indicates spitting does merit a suspension.
Philadelphia Eagles DT Jalen Carter technically was not suspended for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback
The spitting saga overshadowed the fact that the Steelers played half of the game without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The soon-to-be 42-year-old sustained a left wrist injury late in the first half and did not return. Per Rapoport, Rodgers will undergo an evaluation on his wrist on Monday morning.
Backup Mason Rudolph completed 12-of-17 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown.
In a groundbreaking move that has stunned both fans and critics, Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider has announced a $5 ticket day at Lumen Field. This initiative is set to give thousands of low-income families the opportunity to attend a live Seahawks game for the very first time, making it one of the most generous gestures in the team’s history.
The $5 ticket day, which will take place during an upcoming game at Lumen Field, is a part of the Seahawks’ ongoing efforts to engage with the community and ensure that the thrilling experience of live NFL action is accessible to everyone. With the cost of attending games often a barrier for many families, this initiative opens the doors for those who might not otherwise have the chance to witness their beloved Seahawks in person.
In a statement, Schneider shared his excitement about the program: “We believe in the power of sports to bring communities together. This is a chance for families who may not have had the opportunity to attend a game to experience the excitement of Lumen Field and feel the energy of Seahawks Nation. It’s about making the game accessible, building relationships with our fans, and continuing to support the amazing community that has supported us.”
The announcement has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with fans calling it one of the most generous moves the franchise has ever made. “This is the kind of gesture that reminds you why you love this team,” said one longtime fan. “The Seahawks have always been about community, and this is just another example of how they prioritize the people who have supported them through thick and thin.”
The $5 ticket day initiative is expected to draw a massive crowd, and it comes at a time when many NFL teams are looking for ways to make their games more inclusive. By making the sport more affordable, Schneider and the Seahawks are not only strengthening their connection with the community but also fostering a new generation of fans who may have never had the chance to experience the game live before.
In addition to the ticket prices, the event is expected to feature special promotions and activities aimed at enhancing the game day experience for families, including pre-game entertainment and opportunities for fans to engage with their favorite players and coaches.
For many, this is a reminder that the true power of sports lies not in the scores on the board, but in the connections it creates among people. The Seahawks’ commitment to inclusivity and their ongoing efforts to give back to the community have solidified their place as one of the most community-oriented franchises in the league.
With the $5 ticket day set to become a reality, the Seahawks are taking a bold step toward making the NFL more accessible to everyone — no matter their income level. And for thousands of families, it will be the chance of a lifetime to see their heroes play live at Lumen Field.