Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase Fined $31.6K for Yelling at NFL Referee on Video vs. Chiefs

Zach BacharContributor ISeptember 21, 2024

Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was fined $31,599 for unsportsmanlike conduct during the team’s 26-25 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Tom Pelissero @TomPelisseroThe NFL fined #Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase $31,599 for unsportsmanlike conduct — screaming at referee Alex Kemp, who flagged Chase for abusive language.

Chase wanted a flag for a hip-drop tackle on Trent McDuffie, who was neither flagged nor fined. pic.twitter.com/Imteg1jDbX

Chase was upset with officials for failing to throw a flag on a perceived hip-drop tackle by Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie. The receiver’s penalty was costly for the Bengals, as they needed to attempt 22 yards on third down in Kansas City’s territory instead of seven.

Cincinnati was forced to settle for a field goal before eventually losing by one point.

Pelissero noted that McDuffie was not penalized or fined for the tackle.

Chase told reporters on Friday that he planned to appeal a fine if he received one (via Geoff Hobson of the team’s official website).

Referee Alex Kemp explained that Chase used “personal abusive language” that led to the flag in a pool report after the game.

“The simple answer is, profanity used by grown men versus direct, personal abusive language towards a game official,” Kemp said when discussing the difference between disagreement and abuse. “That’s the line. When that line gets crossed, we simply can’t let that happen in pro football.”

NFL on CBS 🏈 @NFLonCBSA frustrating sequence for Ja’Marr Chase pic.twitter.com/zr4gceyaXx

Frustrations about his performance may have gotten the better of Chase, as the three-time Pro Bowl receiver continued his underwhelming start to the 2024 season against the Chiefs. He hauled in just four receptions for 35 yards. Through two games, he’s racked up a mere 97 receiving yards and zero touchdowns.

“Just got to learn from it and move on,” he said after the loss, per Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Chase’s fine of $31,599 is the highest amount for any unsportsmanlike conduct infraction in the 2024 season so far, per Spotrac.

The 24-year-old will look to get his season back on track and help the Bengals earn their first win of the year in the team’s next game, a matchup with the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football.