Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase expressed his frustration following a play against the Kansas City Chiefs where he felt he was unfairly tackled by cornerback Trent McDuffie. Although no penalty was called during the game, Chase was flagged for “abusive language” directed at lead referee Alex Kemp after the incident, which resulted in a fine for Chase.
In an interview with ESPN’s Ryan Clark, Chase revealed that his anger stemmed from a deeper issue related to the NFL’s handling of the hip-drop tackle rule. He explained that throughout the offseason, the league had emphasized the importance of this tackle type and how it would be enforced. When it wasn’t called in that moment, it pushed him over the edge.
“It was really just, you know, they come up with us every year and hit us with new rules and stuff like that,” Chase said. “This year was the hip-drop tackle. If we’re going to have the opportunity to bring it to the players’ attention, and they’re going to make sure we’re on top of it for our safety, then they need to be consistent.”
Chase’s comments reflect his broader frustration with the league’s inconsistency regarding the enforcement of penalties. He believes that if the NFL is going to highlight certain rules, they should be applied fairly during games.
While he initially declined to comment on the incident immediately after the game, Chase’s insights indicate that his grievance lies not just with the officiating crew but with the league’s overall approach to player safety.
The penalty against Chase resulted in a 15-yard setback on a drive that ultimately ended in a field goal. The Chiefs won the game by just one point, underscoring the impact of such officiating decisions. In an ideal scenario, consistency in NFL officiating would be the norm, but as it stands, players like Chase must navigate a complex landscape while advocating for their rights on the field.
