Jalen Ramsey Backed by Mike Tomlin After Ejection for Ja'Marr Chase Spitting Incident

Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he would have supported any reaction from Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey after he was apparently spat on by Cincinnati Bengals wideout Ja'Marr Chase last Sunday.

"I have no message if someone spits in your face," Tomlin told reporters Tuesday. "Do what comes natural."

Ramsey was ejected from the Steelers' 34-12 Week 11 win in the fourth quarter after punching Chase in the face following an altercation.

Chase has since denied he spat on Ramsey prior to the punch, although the NFL ruled against him based on video evidence.

Chase is currently appealing the NFL's decision to suspend him for one game following the incident.

Should the NFL rule in favor of keeping the suspension in place, he will lose $448,333 in earnings from sitting out the Bengals' Week 12 matchup with the New England Patriots, per NBC Sports' Mike Florio.

This is not the first time a player has been punished by the NFL for spitting on an opponent this season.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected early from a season-opening matchup with the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 4 after apparently spitting on Dak Prescott. The NFL later ruled that Carter would give up his $57,222 Week 1 game check because his ejection counted as a de facto suspension.

Florio reported at the time that the league's decision "has created a new standard that will make it easier to suspend players for spitting in the future."

Whether NFL hearing officer Jordy Nelson rules in Chase's favor Tuesday will reveal how effective the Carter suspension was in setting a new league precedent.