The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t have a great start to this season. The team has lost both their games against the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs in back-to-back weeks. To make things worse, their star WR has been penalized for his emotional outburst against the referee during the team’s Week 2 loss against the Chiefs.

According to journalist Jay Morrison, the 24-year-old WR has been fined $31,599 for his on field spat with Alex Kemp. As per the reports, Chase has also received a warning that in case this happens for the second time, then the fine will be doubled, which will amount to $63,198.

All this happened on Sunday when Chase protested against what he considered to be an illegal hip-drop tackle by a Chiefs’ Trent McDuffie. However, the WR used “abusive language” as per Kemp, which led to a flag in a pool report after the game. Minutes later, the referee awarded an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the fourth quarter to the Chiefs. Even after further review of the incident, the league found no evidence of an illegal hip-drop tackle against Chase during the two teams’ encounter at the Arrowhead Stadium.

Later, the referee reflected on this incident between him and Chase. Kemp sternly said that there is a difference between using profanity and abusing someone personally. The referee added that when this line is crossed, it should be dealt with strictly, especially in Pro Football. He said, “The simple answer is, profanity used by grown men versus direct, personal abusive language towards a game official. That’s the line. When that line gets crossed, we simply can’t let that happen in pro football.”

Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase frustrated as underwhelming form persists

The Bengals’ wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase looked frustrated against the Chiefs and rightfully so. The three-time Pro Bowl receiver continued his underwhelming start to the 2024 season against the Chiefs. Chase made just four receptions for 35 yards. Since the start of the season, the 27-year-old has piled up just 97 receiving yards and is yet to record his first touchdown of this season.

Many are speculating that his current performance is being affected by his contract situation at Cincinnati. After three golden years with the club, Chase expected them to offer him an extension and make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league. However, talks between both parties didn’t go as planned and ultimately, a deal couldn’t materialize. Chase held his ground till the evening of the season opener against the New England Patriots, but still nothing came in his direction.

Back in 2021, when he joined the Bengals, he signed a 4-year, $30.8 million rookie contract, which is set to expire next year. And in his current form, it’s very unlikely that the team would offer him a CeeDee Lamb-like contract. In such a case, Chase might decline a small offer and opt for his free agency to try out his luck elsewhere.

As of now, when he gets on the field with his team on Sunday to face the Washington Commanders, Chase will surely try to get back on his A-Game and help his team win their first league game this season, avoiding turning the record further to 0-3.