Ja’Marr Chase penalized for outburst directed at referee during Bengals-Chiefs match
(This article has been updated to include additional information.)
Ja’Marr Chase’s emotional response to a referee last weekend resulted in a significant fine.
The star wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals was hit with a fine of $31,599 for verbally abusing an official. His complaints to referee Alex Kemp during last Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs did not escape the scrutiny of NFL officials.
Chase was incensed over what he saw as an illegal hip-drop tackle made by a Chiefs player, which led to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the fourth quarter due to his outspoken reaction towards Kemp.
After reviewing the incident, the NFL concluded there was no evidence supporting Chase’s claim of an illegal tackle during the Chiefs’ narrow 26-25 win at Arrowhead Stadium.
In contrast, the NFL did identify a hip-drop violation in another prominent incident from the weekend that drew considerable attention regarding the new rule. Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards received a fine of $16,883 for using this illegal technique while tackling Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon, who subsequently left the field due to an ankle injury.
Following the matchup, both Mixon and Texans coach DeMeco Ryans firmly stated that the incident was indeed a breach of the rules.
“The NFL and NFLPA made it a rule and an emphasis for a reason,” Mixon expressed on X. “It’s time for action.”
Mixon was unable to practice all week due to his injury and has been ruled out for this Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, a matchup of undefeated teams.
Three other players also faced fines for hip-drop violations:
— Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton was fined $16,883 for an incident that occurred late in the first quarter, unrelated to Chase, involving a tackle on Cincinnati rookie tight end Erick All Jr.
— New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley was fined $16,883 for a tackle on Tennessee Titans receiver Tyler Boyd.
— Los Angeles Rams defensive end Desjuan Johnson received a fine of $5,191 for his tackle on Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson.
None of these hip-drop violations were penalized during the games, but they were identified during the NFL’s review process post-game. This was a concern when the ban was introduced last spring, raising questions during the intense moments of live games about possible breaches of rules.
The number of hip-drop violations this week was double that of the previous week.
Additionally, two players received significant fines for inappropriate celebrations in the end zone: Atlanta Falcons receiver Drake London and New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr, both fined $14,069 for unsportsmanlike conduct.
London imitated machine gun fire during his celebration, while Carr attempted to channel the legendary Michael Jackson but went overboard with a sexually suggestive thrust during his routine.