Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin didn't admonish defensive back Jalen Ramsey for his natural reaction to being spit on by Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase, a move that got the safety ejected from the contest.
"I have no message if someone spits in your face," Tomlin said Tuesday.
After a pause, the coach added, "Do what comes natural."
What came naturally for Ramsey was a grab and a right jab to Chase's face.
With 12 minutes remaining in the Steelers' 34-12 victory, Chase and Ramsey began jawing. Ramsey was ejected after throwing a punch. Video from FOX19 WXIX following the game showed that, despite his denials, Chase did indeed spit on Ramsey.
"I was aware, I obviously talked to Jalen in-game," Tomlin said of the incident. "It's an unfortunate incident. It's not an act that's common to the game of football. It has nothing to do with football. So, I'm not going to comment on it. The NFL office rendered their judgment, so we're moving on."
The NFL's judgment was to suspend Chase for one game. The wideout's appeal was denied, with hearing officer Jordy Nelson upholding the one-game ban on Tuesday.
The NFL did not suspend Ramsey for the punch in response to the saliva-instigated interaction.
